NCAAs - Ridiculous Ground Rule

[IRISHMAFIA]

During last night's fiasco (well, I'm sure that's how NW sees it), there was an overthrow at 1B which was eventually called a Ground Rule Double.

After seeing the replay and hearing Beth Mowins note something about the concrete "sticking out" there, I realized they were killing any ball which hit the gate.

There are field-access gates on both side of the field. The gates are located just beyond the media area and had attendents assigned to them. The gate itself sits back approx. 3 inches. IOW, a ball can never get caught or come to rest on the concrete step. BTW, this step does not protrude, and is flush, with the concrete wall.

I cannot think why anyone would want to kill a ball which, no matter what, will stay in play. The gate and it's setting is now more dangerous then the wall itself.