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I have this from JEA:
OBR 6.09(b):
"Historical notes: Under the original Major League Code (1876), a batsman who struck at and missed a third strike OR failed to strike at a "good ball" for a called third strike was obligated to run to first base "..as in the case of hitting a fair ball."
The rules of 1887 specified that the batsman became a base runner "...instantly after FOUR strikes had been declared by the umpire." This "four strike" provision lasted only one year.
As late as the 1940's the batter was entitled to advance (with liability) after three strikes had been called by the umpire. By the time of recodification in 1950, a provision had been added that stipulated that the batter could advance (with liability) after three strikes had been called when the third stike was not caught unless there is a runner on first base with not more than one out.
Essentially, this changed the previous rule in two ways: (1) The batter could legally advance as a runner ONLY if the third strike was NOT caught; and (2) The batter was not permitted to advance if first base was occupied with less than two outs.
In 1956, the wording was simplified to it's present form."
I hope that is what you were looking for. G.
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