A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

[CoupleOfFew1]

The ground-rule double rule absolutely needs to be changed when there is a runner on base. It's stupid when there is a runner on first who would definitely have scored on the play but has to go back to third because the ball bounced over the fence. I think it should be up to the home plate umpire to determine where this runner goes instead of automatically having to go to third. If he would have scored anyway, he should be awarded home. Thoughts?

[pfunk880]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

The ground-rule double rule absolutely needs to be changed when there is a runner on base. It's stupid when there is a runner on first who would definitely have scored on the play but has to go back to third because the ball bounced over the fence. I think it should be up to the home plate umpire to determine where this runner goes instead of automatically having to go to third. If he would have scored anyway, he should be awarded home. Thoughts?

I don't know if it's a good idea to give the umps responsibility for something that would be pretty much a crapshoot and a complete judgment call.

[yvesdereuter]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

I don't know if it's a good idea to give the umps responsibility for something that would be pretty much a crapshoot and a complete judgment call.

Yeah, its not like theyre doing all that well judging HRs so maybe it doesnt make sense to give them more to watch.

[fugazi]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

Some of the missed HRs were bad...but honestly, the Soto HR in Houston was a sad, sad call that reflects VERY poorly on every ump at that game...and why those stairs in Yankee Stadium aren't black, I will never know.

Ground Rule Double rule = Just Fine

A GRD in no way implies that the runner from first could score...no way...at all...not in the least.

[jake44np]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

The ground rule double rule is fine and doesnt need changed at all.
It would be near impossible on some plays to tell where the runner would end up.
The ball bounces over the fence every one gets 2 bases. Should we change the HR rule to that allows every one on base to score. Going by what your saying should Frank Thomas be allowed to score on a ball that barely gets over the LF fence? We know he would not be able to score on a 340 ft hit from 1b, he would be lucky to get to 3rd.

[Blzer]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

Some of the missed HRs were bad...but honestly, the Soto HR in Houston was a sad, sad call that reflects VERY poorly on every ump at that game...and why those stairs in Yankee Stadium aren't black, I will never know.

Ground Rule Double rule = Just Fine

A GRD in no way implies that the runner from first could score...no way...at all...not in the least.

But sometimes the runner already has crossed home plate before the ball even goes out of play.

Though I agree... it shouldn't change. It's universal so that discretion is not necessary. Two bases unless you're at third base.

[theaub]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

The umpire is allowed to award a runner home if he feels that he would've got there without a play. And I've seen it happen more than a few times before, so its still subjective.

[Sportsforever]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

The umpire is allowed to award a runner home if he feels that he would've got there without a play. And I've seen it happen more than a few times before, so its still subjective.

Are you sure? I don't think that is right...the rules state it's a two base advance for all runners regardless of position along the base paths. I have often seen a runner on a hit and run play half way to the plate when the ball goes over the fence and still get sent back to third.

[jake44np]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

The umpire is allowed to award a runner home if he feels that he would've got there without a play. And I've seen it happen more than a few times before, so its still subjective.

Not for a hit that goes over the HR fence, you are thinking of a ball that hops into the stands down the 1st or 3rd base lines.
Any ball that bounces over the HR wall in a ground rule double and every base runner gets 2 bases.

[snowmizer]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

But sometimes the runner already has crossed home plate before the ball even goes out of play.

That would seem to be physically impossible. If you've got a video clip of a runner, starting at first (even with the benefit of the biggest jump imaginable), able to cross home plate before a batted ball bounces over the fence, I'd love to see it.




Also, I've never come across this particular rules misunderstanding that I see in this thread. There is no difference between a ball going over the "baseline" stands versus the "home run" stands. If a fair ball bounces into either section of the crowd, it's a ground rule double.

Only if somebody reaches into the field of play and interferes with the ball do the umpires have the authority to put each runner where they think they ought to have ended up.

[NYJets]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

It would be a mess if they changed it. The umpire would have to watch the ball and the baserunners at the same time. They would also have to know the speed of the baserunners and have to make an estimate really quickly. And what if the guy on first is playing with a pulled hamstring and hasn't been running well all game? Then you should have to consider that.

It sucks that sometimes a team loses a run because the ball hops over instead of just off the wall, but I don't see a better way of doing it.

[Blzer]

Re: A Rule That Needs To Be Changed

That would seem to be physically impossible. If you've got a video clip of a runner, starting at first (even with the benefit of the biggest jump imaginable), able to cross home plate before a batted ball bounces over the fence, I'd love to see it.

I think I'm thinking of a ball that a fan ends up touching, and we see that the runner would have definitely scored. I know what you're saying... a runner scoring from first before a ball bouncing over the fence is impossible.