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Mr. Striker:
Now you're a mind reader?
The "home run/ground rule double" in question was not 200 feet from home plate . . . it was 365 feet in straight away centerfield. My BU was PROPERLY watching the BR touch 1st base and following him around; he had no business watching the fly ball.
As the PU, at the crack of the bat I was off and running following the flight of the ball. (Obviously I can't outrun it). As I'm watching the ball, I (and my dog) am also watching the reactions of the outfielders . . . knowing full well that the fence is 4' high, no background and no cushion atop the chain link fence. As I'm peering into the distance, I also watch the centerfielder hold up his hands (whether by prior instruction or by instinct)to indicate a bounce over. My own sight line, and distance where the ball came to rest over the fence, seems to show that it bounced over. I should also note that I pulled up and stopped so as not to prejudice my vision.
Without hesitation, I called a ground rule double. As a courtesy to the 3rd base coach, I said, "I'll check with my partner . . . but it looked like a bounce to me." My partner confirmed that he was watching the runner. So the call was mine and all mine. If I got it wrong, so be it. I told the coach, "Bruce, you've got a 4' fence, no background; I've got a Double."
We continued playing.
Jerry
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