Uh oh....conflict....
Mcrowder:
In one statement, you said that if a ball hits the tree in foul territory it is foul. In the next, you said it would be catchable.
"Ball in foul territory hit's tree - Foul Ball. Ball in fair territory hit's tree - Fair ball. The only question becomes catchable or not catchable - and if you neglected it in ground rules, I'd rule both catchable."
A ball cannot be both foul and catchable. In order to be catchable, it must be live. If it is still live when it hits the tree, then bounces or rolls and settles in fair territory before 1st or third base, it must be fair. A foul ball is dead and therefore cannot be caught.
So, in essence, if you neglect to cover it in ground rules, you are agreeing with me.
Dakota, a tree is part of the natural environment of the park. This rule is completely the same as baseball, so don't be getting into the difference between baseball and softball.
I stand with my initial opinion. IF it is not covered in the initial ground-rule discussion, over-hanging branches in live ball territory remain live.
Again, umpires, COVER THIS ISSUE AT THE PLATE MEETING!!!
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