 At the start of 1893 , Nicol signed with the Los Angeles Angels of the California League . A new rule was introduced stipulating that the pitcher 's mound be 60 feet 6 inches ( 18 @.@ 44 m ) away from home plate . This increase of five feet in distance gave batters a greater advantage . Despite this , Nicol was noted for his ability to adapt to the new rule better than other pitchers in the league . This was evident as he was able to garner a 15 – 8 record and 0 @.@ 86 ERA in 1881 ⁄ 3 innings pitched . His control suffered , however , as he struck out just 64 batters and walked 125 , thus contributing to his 1 @.@ 66 WHIP that season . In early June , there was speculation that players would have their salaries cut in order to sustain the league , which was allegedly on the verge of collapsing . Several weeks after two of his teammates departed , Nicol himself left the team , joining the two in the Eastern League with the Erie Blackbirds . He continued his stellar pitching performances with a 13 – 9 record and a 1 @.@ 80 ERA in 200 innings , while reducing the number of walks issued to 89 . 
