If a ball is hit and goes thru the fence on the fly, not over the fence, what is the ruling? Some say home run while others in our crew say ground rule double. As of now we have not been able to find the answer in the rule book, but have been told it's addressed in the case book which we don't have.

Help!

Ricejock,

In order for the ball to be declared a home run it must be in fair territory,
in flight & clear the fence. It could be aided by an outfielder if touched in flight, then clears
the outfield fence in fair territory. This would be a four base award. A ball passing
through or under a fence, is a ground rule double. I think
that this would be somewhere in Rule 8, however, I am book-
less at this time.

glen

7.05(f)

Two bases if the ball goes through (or under) the fence

Rich,

Your answer is correct. However, this being a <b>softball</b>
board, I have a problem with your reference. 7.05[f]
In softball that rule applies to the catcher failing to
immediately return the ball to the catcher [ASA].
And in NFHS, there is no 7.05[f].

glen

Glen - that's what I get for bleary eyed looks at things - - - losing track of where I am.

FYI folks:

Fed rule 8:4:i

A fair batted ball bounces over, goes under or through a fence or any designated boundary of the playing field. Also when it deflects off of a defensive person or umpire and goes out of play...blah blah blah...

Penalty: The ball is dead and all runners are awarded two bases from the time of the pitch.

Don't have my ASA book here, left it at work.

Scott

ASA Rule 8.6.H.