Our word for it was (in Michigan) and is (in Northern California):
BASE!
If none is called before a game, a tree or porch step or something along those lines may be declared "base" partway through a game, by running to it deliberately and crying "base". This ploy is invariably used by the smallest to evade the largest. However, there is usually a limit of one call of "base" per gaame, and all subsequent use of "base" must be at the site first designated as such.
If one participant is very much smaller than the bulk of the players, a blind eye is cast to the constant re-designation of new bases by that individual, and the small one is considered out-of-bounds whenever the cry of "base" goes up from little lips.
I'm very much enjoying this discussion of children's games.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2004-03-25 12:58 pm (UTC)BASE!
If none is called before a game, a tree or porch step or something along those lines may be declared "base" partway through a game, by running to it deliberately and crying "base". This ploy is invariably used by the smallest to evade the largest. However, there is usually a limit of one call of "base" per gaame, and all subsequent use of "base" must be at the site first designated as such.
If one participant is very much smaller than the bulk of the players, a blind eye is cast to the constant re-designation of new bases by that individual, and the small one is considered out-of-bounds whenever the cry of "base" goes up from little lips.
I'm very much enjoying this discussion of children's games.