Providing the impetus

[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!!!