For me, Baseball Reference is one of the top baseball resources I use for stats, rule verification, historical facts, and everything else in between the foul lines of a baseball field. I was thinking about all the “amazing” changes that professional baseball is working on to “improve” the game and one rule came to mind. The ground rule double or automatic double, according to Baseball Reference (www.baseball-reference.com) reads like this:
Also stated on the Baseball Reference site is that up until 1931, these doubles hit that bounced over the fence were counted as home runs. If you can imagine a ball hit hard enough and far enough and with enough top spin to hit the outfield area, then bounce over a wall or fence, that is truly worthy of automatic bases. So, why not change the rule to make this stinging and incredible line drive hit an automatic TRIPLE!!!
A triple is a fair compromise between a home run (4 bases, old rule pre-1931) and a double (2 bases, new rule 1931-present). Clearly, if the baseball was hit hard enough and far enough to hop over the left center field fence, the batter deserves a real reward, a TRIPLE. And, if there are any runners on base, with a ball hit that hard, clearly they would all score on a hit such as this. So, clear the bases and give the hitter a TRIPLE.
If a ball lands under the fence and the outfielder cannot retrieve it, they are supposed to raise their hands alerting the umpire that the ball is obstructed and the play should be called “dead.” In this case, the runner is awarded an automatic double and the runners on base are moved up per an umpire’s discretion. This obstruction rule can stay in place, as it promotes fairness in the field of play.
However, a line shot to right center field, which lands 370 feet from home plate, then bounces like a jackrabbit into the stands for a young fan to catch, should (in my opinion) warrant a 3 base award, a TRIPLE. Every runner that is on base can/should trot home and high-five the bat boy/girl on their way to the dugout. The batter, after hitting a crushing ball that would still be rolling had there not have been a fence or bleachers, jogs with a big smile over to 3rd base with a Ground Rule Triple!!!
What are your thoughts? Message me on social media or via email and I will gladly debate the ground rule triple, one way I feel could really add to this “re-invention of baseball.”
Leave a Reply