Ground rule double
Encyclopedia
In baseball
, a ground rule double is an award of two bases from the time of pitch
to all baserunners including the batter-runner as a result of the ball leaving play after being hit fairly and leaving the field under a condition of the ground rules in effect at the field where the game is being played. Ground rule double is also the term used to refer to a fairly hit ball leaving the field in circumstances that do not merit a home run
as described in Major League Baseball
(MLB) rules 6.09(e) through 6.09(h). MLB rules use no term other than "ground rule double" for such a two-base award.
Most commonly, a ground rule double results from a batted ball hitting the ground in fair territory, bouncing over a wall, and landing out of play. MLB rules also award a double when a batted ball goes through or under a fence or through or sticking in shrubbery or vines on the fence. Specific rules also govern when fair fly balls are deflected into the stands by a fielder: for example, a fair fly ball deflected out of play by a fielder from a point within 250 feet of home plate is considered a double. This applied in an unusual play August 3, when Melky Cabrera
of the New York Yankees
hit a ball that ricocheted off Kansas City Royals
pitcher Ryan Braun
's foot and bounced into the stands in foul territory.
When two bases are awarded by either ground rule or league-wide rule, any baserunners ahead of the batter are entitled to advance two bases from their positions at the time of pitch
but may not advance any further. This sometimes denies a team a run since a runner starting from first base
must stop at third base
. It can also be an advantage as a runner on second base automatically scores on a ground rule double.
Originally, all batted balls that cleared the fence after a bounce in fair territory or on a fly were counted as home runs. The rule was changed by the American League
prior to the 1930 season
and was subsequently adopted by the National League
on December 12, 1930.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
, a ground rule double is an award of two bases from the time of pitch
Time of pitch
In baseball, the time of pitch is that instant when the pitcher has begun his pitching motion and, by the rules, has committed himself to throwing the pitch. This instant thus occurs before the pitcher actually releases the ball. Once a pitcher commits himself to throwing a pitch, it is illegal...
to all baserunners including the batter-runner as a result of the ball leaving play after being hit fairly and leaving the field under a condition of the ground rules in effect at the field where the game is being played. Ground rule double is also the term used to refer to a fairly hit ball leaving the field in circumstances that do not merit a home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
as described in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
(MLB) rules 6.09(e) through 6.09(h). MLB rules use no term other than "ground rule double" for such a two-base award.
Most commonly, a ground rule double results from a batted ball hitting the ground in fair territory, bouncing over a wall, and landing out of play. MLB rules also award a double when a batted ball goes through or under a fence or through or sticking in shrubbery or vines on the fence. Specific rules also govern when fair fly balls are deflected into the stands by a fielder: for example, a fair fly ball deflected out of play by a fielder from a point within 250 feet of home plate is considered a double. This applied in an unusual play August 3, when Melky Cabrera
Melky Cabrera
Melky Astacio Cabrera is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.-Minors:Cabrera was signed by the New York Yankees on November 13, 2001, at age 17...
of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
hit a ball that ricocheted off Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
pitcher Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun (pitcher)
Ryan Zachary Braun is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. He is 6'1" and weighs 215 lbs. Though he was born in Canada, Braun grew up in California, and played college baseball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.He made his...
's foot and bounced into the stands in foul territory.
When two bases are awarded by either ground rule or league-wide rule, any baserunners ahead of the batter are entitled to advance two bases from their positions at the time of pitch
Time of pitch
In baseball, the time of pitch is that instant when the pitcher has begun his pitching motion and, by the rules, has committed himself to throwing the pitch. This instant thus occurs before the pitcher actually releases the ball. Once a pitcher commits himself to throwing a pitch, it is illegal...
but may not advance any further. This sometimes denies a team a run since a runner starting from first base
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
must stop at third base
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
. It can also be an advantage as a runner on second base automatically scores on a ground rule double.
Originally, all batted balls that cleared the fence after a bounce in fair territory or on a fly were counted as home runs. The rule was changed by the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
prior to the 1930 season
1930 in baseball
-Champions:*World Series: Philadelphia Athletics over St. Louis Cardinals -Statistical leaders:1Single season record for RBIs-American League final standings:-National League final standings:-Negro National League final standings:...
and was subsequently adopted by the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
on December 12, 1930.