In baseball, a ground rule double is any award of two bases from the time of pitch to all baserunners including the batter-runner. Such an award is traditionally called a "ground rule" double even though the award is usually not a result of ground rules. Most commonly, a batted ball bouncing fair on the field and then leaving play (such as over a fence) is called a ground rule double. However, any fair ball that leaves the playing field in a situation where regulations prohibit calling the hit a home run is also a ground rule double. Ground rules do exist in various ballparks which provide ground rule doubles in other, park-specific situations. This article is about the sport. ... 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. ... In baseball, baserunning is the act of running around the bases performed by members of the team at bat. ... In baseball and softball, batter-runner is a term for the batter during the play in which he/she becomes a baserunner. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Ground rule double. ... In baseball, a fair ball is a batted ball that has not yet become a foul ball, and that. ... Mark McGwire swinging for the fences. ...

In every park, a hit that goes out of play (into the stands or out of the park) just as a home run, but on the bounce after touching the ground in fair territory, is an automatic double as specified in Major League Baseball rules 6.09(e) through 6.09(g). The same applies if a batted ball becomes lodged in, or rolls under, the outfield fence. Such hits are typically referred to as ground rule doubles, which, while not truly a ground rule, has come to be an almost universally understood misnomer and has entered into accepted usage. In Major League Baseball history, Ty Cobb had a record 4,191 hits by 1928; Pete Rose would surpass it 57 years later, and finish with 4,256 career hits. ... Mark McGwire swinging for the fences. ... MLB and Major Leagues redirect here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Any baserunners ahead of the batter are also entitled to advance two bases on a ground rule double, based on their positions when the ball was pitched. This sometimes has the effect of denying a team a run, since a runner starting from first base would frequently come around to score on a normal double to the outfield, but in this case must stop at (or go back to) third base. This also means, that if a man is on second base, and a ground rule double is hit, he advances to score. In baseball, baserunning is the act of running around the bases performed by members of the team at bat. ... The position of the first baseman First base redirects here. ... The position of the third baseman “Third base” redirects here. ...

An automatic double can also be awarded if the ball does not leave the field of play but becomes otherwise unplayable. Examples include the ball getting stuck under the roll of tarpaulin used to cover the infield during rain delays, and disappearing into the ivy covering the outfield wall of Wrigley Field. A tarpaulin or tarp (also known as hootchie) is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas coated with plastic or latex. ... For the former ballpark in Los Angeles, see Wrigley Field (Los Angeles). ...

One additional rule covers the very rare situation where a fielder deliberately uses his cap or mask to play the ball, or if he throws his glove at a batted ball that he cannot reach on his own. This rule (7.05 sections (b) and (c)) awards the batter and any runners three bases on such a play. The ball remains in play and the batter may advance to home base at his peril. This rule very rarely, if ever in the modern game, comes into effect.

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. The American League (or formally the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States of America and Canada. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 1930 throughout the world. ... For other uses, see National League (disambiguation). ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1930 (MCMXXX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Major League Baseball Ground Rules
• Major League Baseball Rule 3
• Major League Baseball Rule 6
• Major League Baseball Rule 7
• Ballpark quirks at their best