Posted By:
Frank WakefieldHey Andy,
From googling around a bit, I found this:
http://books.google.com/books?id=o3U765oSQG8C&pg=PA198&lpg=PA198&dq=baseball+players+gloves+%22left+on+the+field%22 +rules&source=web&ots=6pWKdj3nEd&sig=O346YxyYm9RhwMVC1NDKHiBkl74
So I think there was a change to the rules in late 1953 or early 1954, saying that equipment can't be left on the field.
So I think what we need is someone with the 1954 rules, finding the rule about equipment...
3.14 Members of the offensive team shall carry all gloves and other equipment off the field and to the dugout while their team is at bat. No equipment shall be left lying on the field, either in fair or foul territory.
That's the rule. We need folks with 1953 rules, and earlier sets, to see if rule 3.14 is in there.
And if it is, then it resorts to a search of when it was enforced.