Providing the impetus

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

If the ball hits the fence, isn't it still in play? How is this different than a ball hitting the ground?

Are you saying it should be 2 bases from time of deflection?
Are you also asking about 2 bases versus 4 bases?

I'm asking about 2 bases from time of pitch versus 2 bases from time of last contact.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I'm asking about 2 bases from time of pitch versus 2 bases from time of last contact.

Well, by rule they are separating these two events. I see your point of similarity - but they are telling us to rule on this particular one differently. I think generally it's a matter of degree... kicking being more than a "deflection".

[DaveASA/FED]

I think it's a difference between a batted ball and a thrown ball. I know the rules don't support what I am thinking but I think the reasoning is this. In your case, the ball is a batted ball that is deflected over the fence, same as bouncing over the fence, it's ruled a 2 base award (2 bases from the time of the pitch). In the ruling that ASA gave a few years ago I think they were talking about a player kicking a thrown ball (or at least not a batted ball) into dead ball territory which would be awarded 2 bases from the time of the throw (or kick). There is also the difference that in your OP the deflection was over the home run fence. In that case you only really have two choices, a home run (4 base award) or a 2 base award. I think this is clarifying that this situation would be a two base award just as if it hit the ground and bounced over the fence.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

There is also the difference that in your OP the deflection was over the home run fence. In that case you only really have two choices, a home run (4 base award) or a 2 base award. I think this is clarifying that this situation would be a two base award just as if it hit the ground and bounced over the fence.

Not really. A thrown ball that for whatever reason goes over the fence (assuming no intent by the fielder) is 2 bases TOT. Just like a ball going over the other fences or into a dugout.

[DaveASA/FED]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Not really. A thrown ball that for whatever reason goes over the fence (assuming no intent by the fielder) is 2 bases TOT. Just like a ball going over the other fences or into a dugout.

Ok so I will stay with my first responce a thrown ball is from TOT, a hit ball is from TOP. But that would be an AWFUL throw that goes over the home run fence!!!