[hamnegger]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Here's an interp. Note that it deals with a light pole, not a foul pole, and that it's "a few feet" in front of the fence. Note also, that most umpires would ignore the interp and just go along with the coach's suggestion.

SITUATION 6: At the pre-game conference, the home team coach is covering ground rules. He points out that in right field the light pole is a few feet in front of the fence. He mentions that a black tape is around the light pole, about 12 feet above the ground. He states that it is a home run if a fly ball hits the light pole above the tape since the ball would have easily cleared the fence if the light pole were not there. RULING: A ground rule cannot supersede the rules book. A fly ball hitting the light pole above the tape will remain in play and will not be ruled a home run. The batted fair ball must go over a fence in flight before a home run can be awarded. (4-1-2, 8-3-3a)

I think this explains it well. Thank you.