Ground-rule double: how far do the runners go?
A fair ball that bounces over the fence, goes through it or gets stuck under it is dead, with two bases from the pitch for everyone. I don't care how fast he is -- the runner on first stops at third.
The bounce-over double is one of the most argued calls in youth baseball. Your fastest player is on first with two outs, the ball one-hops the fence, and he’s rounding third. Then the umpire throws his hands up and sends him back.
We’ve all seen a dugout lose its mind over this one, but the umpire’s right.
A fair ball that bounces over the fence, goes through it, goes under it or gets stuck in it (or in the tarp, or in a fielder’s gear) is dead. The batter and every runner get two bases, counted from the base they were on when the pitch was thrown. So the batter gets second, a runner on first gets third, and a runner on second scores.
Why doesn’t the runner from first get to score? Because the award is from the time of the pitch, not from where he was when the ball went over. His speed doesn’t matter, and neither do the two outs. It’s two bases, period.
It’s not a ground rule. Most people call it a ground rule double, but it isn’t one. A ground rule is specific to that field and agreed on at the plate meeting — the ball under the bullpen gate, the ball off the light pole, the tree in right field (some fields really have one!). This rule is the same on every field, whether anyone mentions it or not.
The fielder version. If an outfielder catches the ball and his momentum carries him over the fence or into the dugout, the catch counts. The ball is dead, and every runner moves up one base. It’s a different rule, but it comes up in the same kind of argument.
I’d also use the plate meeting to ask about the rest. Where does the fence end? What’s out of play down the lines? Does a ball under the fence stay live if the fielder can reach it? It’s a quick conversation, and you won’t be the coach arguing about it in the fifth inning.
Which rulebook? Official Baseball Rules 5.05(a)(6) through (9): a fair ball that bounces over, through or under a fence, or lodges in it, is two bases from the time of the pitch. NFHS 8-3-3c says the same. Travel ball plays the pro version and adds field ground rules at the plate meeting.
Two outs, runner on first, and he’s your fastest player. A line drive into the gap takes one hop over the fence. He’s rounding third when it goes over. Where does he end up?
Still have a question? Ask Coach Fungo.
“I know he'd have scored easily. But the ball left the field, and the rulebook puts him on third.”
Obstruction vs. interference
Obstruction is the defense getting in the runner's way, and interference is the offense getting in the fielder's way. The penalties go in opposite directions, so it matters which one the umpire sees.
“If you don't have the ball and you aren't fielding it, get out of the runner's way.”
Can a player re-enter the game in youth baseball?
In high school, Little League, USSSA and Perfect Game, a starter can re-enter once in his original batting spot, but a sub who comes out is done (Little League has its own wrinkles). A pitcher who re-enters can play anywhere but the mound, except in high school.
“Before you pull a sub, remember that he isn't coming back.”
The rules quiz
Ten questions, two minutes. Would you have gotten the call right?
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