Ball hits a tree

[Tru_in_Blu]

If I'm new to a field, I'll ask the home team manager for their ground rules.

If it's a tournament setting and some vegetation has encroached into LBT, we'll deal w/ it as a ground rule. Example might be if a batted ball goes into the bushes, it's 2 bases. Another might be if a foul ball hits overhanging tree branches, it's a dead ball.

We have one field that has an electrical or phone type of wire that crosses from left field about 60 feet beyond 3rd base out to another pole in left-center field. When I work that field, it's for a church league. I've told them any ball that hits or doesn't hit the wire is a live ball. If a line drive that's heading to the next county hits that wire and then falls into a fielder's glove, I have an out. If a fielder is camped under a high fly ball and the ball hits the wire and falls to the ground, live ball and play on.

I've explained this ground rule as an act of God, and so far, it's played well for this league.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I've explained this ground rule as an act of God, and so far, it's played well for this league.

As long as you (or they) want to believe that God really pays enough attention to generate or affect this act of random chance, go for it.

[EsqUmp]

If it hits in fair territory, the ball is live and it is a "no catch." If it hits in foul territory, the ball is dead and it is a "no catch."