fair pole

[JPRempe]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I understand the technicality argument (and, for me, the discussion is academic since I don't know of any fields around here like that). My point is solely this:

What is the point of a foul pole without a fence if it is NOT to mark a boundary of the playing field?

Suppose there was a chalk line running in an arc from one foul pole to the other? Does that make a difference?

If so, what do you do with your "2 feet from the ground" situation?

If not, what if there are no foul lines or out of play lines at all anywhere, just the foul poles? Why is the "outfield fence line" the only imaginary line the umpire does NOT recognize?

I don't like to view the regs/rules in the technicality sense in all honesty. If you do the technicality argument, you're going to get very different (but probably very well thought out) situations which may or may not be the expressed intent of the rule. It's so much better to view the rules as black and white or right and wrong.

That's the reason the ASA has clarified definitions and removed intent from judgment situations in recent history, and I don't think we should try and make this situation/ruling more than it is. It's a field with no distance fences, which means there can be no over the fence HR in any situation. As the batter/runner in this instance you should get the "standard/default" situation rule, which is two bases from time of pitch.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by JPRempe

I don't like to view the regs/rules in the technicality sense in all honesty.

You're arguing against something I didn't say.

The rules are written with the expectation of a fence being present. They are silent on how to deal with an unfenced field.

What about a collapsed fence that is "cleared" in flight. Is that a HR?

Originally Posted by Dakota

You're arguing against something I didn't say.

The rules are written with the expectation of a fence being present. They are silent on how to deal with an unfenced field.

What about a collapsed fence that is "cleared" in flight. Is that a HR?

A collapsed fence should be covered in ground rules, just like the collapsed scoreboard I had once. Don't ask! Regardless, I would treat a collapsed fence like a normal fence and if the ball clears in flight, HR.

[JPRempe]

Originally Posted by Dakota

You're arguing against something I didn't say.

The rules are written with the expectation of a fence being present. They are silent on how to deal with an unfenced field.

What about a collapsed fence that is "cleared" in flight. Is that a HR?

I'm not debating you, but the point (or points) of the technicality argument.

No fence, no OTFHR. It's that simple (again, unless some park/ground rules)

Depends entirely on the park/ground rules.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by JPRempe

I'm not debating you, but the point (or points) of the technicality argument.

No fence, no OTFHR. It's that simple (again, unless some park/ground rules)

Depends entirely on the park/ground rules.

... would treat a collapsed fence like a normal fence and if the ball clears in flight, HR.

I just enjoy discussing the rules at the edges (or fences... )

So, a temp fence has collapsed and is lying prone on the ground. A fly ball reaches the fence distance just above ground level, but does not actually touch the ground until it is slightly beyond the prone fence. OTFHR?

[JPRempe]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I just enjoy discussing the rules at the edges (or fences... )

So, a temp fence has collapsed and is lying prone on the ground. A fly ball reaches the fence distance just above ground level, but does not actually touch the ground until it is slightly beyond the prone fence. OTFHR?

They better have some kind of ground rule at that field to cover that, or I'm making something up!

Originally Posted by Dakota

So, a temp fence has collapsed and is lying prone on the ground. A fly ball reaches the fence distance just above ground level, but does not actually touch the ground until it is slightly beyond the prone fence. OTFHR?

I shall humble myself in your presence. I'll give you that one. I was imagining a fence that was partially collapsed at the top, not one that was prone to the ground. What you quoted, I would have covered with a ground rule (or try to put the damn thing back up before the game if I have time!).

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

I shall humble myself in your presence....

Well, no need to go THAT far!

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

I was imagining a fence that was partially collapsed at the top, not one that was prone to the ground. What you quoted, I would have covered with a ground rule (or try to put the damn thing back up before the game if I have time!).

This was not entirely hypothetical. In a national tournament (not ASA...) they were using temp fencing. It was a very windy day, and a section of the fence blew over to the infield side. So, the fence was prone to the ground, laying in live ball territory. My partner and I did try to prop it back up, but the wind would just blow it over again. Fortunately, the strong wind in meant a HR over the fence was highly unlikely (read: no possibility!).

Originally Posted by Dakota

My partner and I did try to prop it back up, but the wind would just blow it over again.

That's where you give up, yell "Is there a mason in the house?" and if so, let him/her build a stone wall.