Ball hits a tree

[EsqUmp]

It is either in play or it is out of play. Who would think? There is no provision in ANY rules book for a grounds rule single or a grounds rule triple.

As an aside, it is not a "ground" rule, but a "grounds" rule. It's a matter of correct terminology.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

It is either in play or it is out of play. Who would think? There is no provision in ANY rules book for a grounds rule single or a grounds rule triple.

As an aside, it is not a "ground" rule, but a "grounds" rule. It's a matter of correct terminology.

If you can show me a provision in a rule book that covers what you call "grounds rules" that says we cannot allow them to have unique base awards if the anomaly presents a unique situation, I will stand corrected.

And if you go to the MLB website and click on the OFFICIAL INFO link, under the Umpires link you will find the listing of MLB stadiums' respective ground rules, not grounds rules. If MLB calls them ground rules on their official info site, sounds like that's the correct terminology.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by Manny A

If you can show me a provision in a rule book that covers what you call "grounds rules" that says we cannot allow them to have unique base awards if the anomaly presents a unique situation, I will stand corrected.

And if you go to the MLB website and click on the OFFICIAL INFO link, under the Umpires link you will find the listing of MLB stadiums' respective ground rules, not grounds rules. If MLB calls them ground rules on their official info site, sounds like that's the correct terminology.

A tree is not an anomaly. Trees are not unique. Trees overhanging a field are, unfortunately, not unique. The rulebooks already cover this situation. When a rulebook officially addresses a situation, I'm not in any hurry to reinvent the wheel.

[Rich]

You're setting up an area that's dead, for whatever reason. What's the ruling when a fair batted ball rolls or bounces into an area that's dead?

Some of these posts and the ground rules they report are really torturous.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

A tree is not an anomaly. Trees are not unique. Trees overhanging a field are, unfortunately, not unique. The rulebooks already cover this situation. When a rulebook officially addresses a situation, I'm not in any hurry to reinvent the wheel.

Which rule are you referring to?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

A tree is not an anomaly. Trees are not unique. Trees overhanging a field are, unfortunately, not unique. The rulebooks already cover this situation. When a rulebook officially addresses a situation, I'm not in any hurry to reinvent the wheel.

As an aside, it is a Rules Book, not a rule book. It's a matter of correct terminology.

[Dakota]

Rule: 4-1 ART. 3 . . . Ground Rules. If there are unusual conditions, such as spectators or obstacles too near the playing field, the home coach shall propose special ground rules. If sanctioned by the visiting team, these shall be in force. If the teams cannot agree, the umpires shall formulate ground rules. Ground rules shall not supersede a rules book rule.

a. The field should be clearly marked. Markings may include flags on foul poles along the foul lines past first base and third base and vertical foul-line markings on any wall that limits the outfield.

b. When a fair or foul ball fly lands near a stand or fence, Rule 7-4-11 applies. If there is a screen behind the catcher or any permanent obstruction in front of the stands, a batted ball that goes behind these becomes dead. It is recommended that no such obstruction be less than 25 feet from the diamond.

c. Wild pitches, overthrows and batted balls that go over or through a fence or into a dugout are governed by Rule 8-4-1c, 8-4-3; if the field has unusual obstructions, ground rules should attempt to be similar to this rule.

d. For special field conditions, such as a drain pipe that makes a spot where it is impossible or very difficult for a fielder to retrieve the ball, the ball should become dead if it goes to that spot, and each runner's advance should be limited to two bases.

e. For an unfenced field, a chalk or imaginary out-of-bounds line should be established to define live-ball area. If cars are parked along the out-of-play lines, umpires should consider these the same as bleachers and the ball becomes dead if it bounces into the line of cars. The umpires should anticipate such a situation and announce the ground rule in advance.

[Dakota]

It's all a matter of proper nomenclature. MLB, ASA, USSSA Fastpitch Softball, NFHS Softball, and NFHS Baseball all agree that it is properly called a ground rule, not a grounds rule. These are all of the references I have readily at-hand.

[MD Longhorn]

Seems to me we're talking about E, and not D here, and E says nothing about number of bases the ground rule must be.