ground rule triple?

Question

This is a trivia question: in baseball, how do you earn a ground rule triple?

by the way, there is actually an answer, it is possible, and it doesnt depend on the umpires discretion. if you want the answer, email me at [e-mail].

Answer 1

Either by using illegal equipment or by throwing your equipment at the batted ball in play and making contact with it.

Answer 2

As the name implies, it depends on the ground rules for the stadium in question. For instance, in the 1960s, if a ball lodged in the monuments in center field in Yankee Stadium it was a ground rule triple - yes, folks, the monuments used to be on the playing field and were in play; I saw a photograph of Mickey Mantle making a throw between two of them. Such matters are generally not in the purview of the umpire's judgement as it is clear whether the rule applies or not.

The managers and umpires review the ground rules before every game.

Although a ball that bounces over the fence is called a "ground rule" double, this is in fact in the rule book (since the late 1920s - prior to this it was a home run, though it is said that none of Ruth's 60 homers in 1927 bounced over the fence). [Some stadia, like Shea Stadium, also list it as a ground rule.] The same would apply to the equipment rule another answerer cited: it is in the rule book, not a ground rule.

In certain World Series, spectators were allowed onto the field (the game had been oversold) and it was a ground rule triple to hit a ball into those areas.

Answer 3

Ground rules are specific to the field on which the game is being played. I have never been to a ball park where a ground rule triple was instituted. Of course, with over 99,000 ball diamonds in North America, there probably is one.

Well here is a park which has instituted a ground triple rule.

http://www.esportsdesk.com/leagues/rules.cfm?leagueID=403&clientID=41

I suppose also a park in Wisconsin on a field with no outfield fence and cows grazing in an open pasture about 350 feet from home could have a ground rule triple rule. If a cow was to swallow a ground ball that come along, might be fair to assume a batter/runner would have at least safely reached third base.

Answer 4

The only time someone now is awarded 3 bases is if the fielder catches the ball with something other then their glove, for example, their hat. The batter/runner can advance to home on his own peril, though. I do not believe this is called a ground rule, but just a baseball rule(7.05(b)). Ground rules have to do with a facility by facility rules.

The first World Series had a ground rule stating any ball hit into the outfield crowd would be a ground rule triple.

Answer 5

I watched baseball for about my whole life so this is easy. The answer is when the ball bounces off the field and into the seats. The umpire thinks if the batter can get to 3rd base without getting out. If he can, ground rule triple. If not, ground rule double. Simple.

Answer 6

I would think you can have a ground rule triple only if the baserunner is flying. If the runner is past second base when the ball leaves the playing field, the umpire can rule a ground rule triple.

It would truly take world class speed to pull it off. Just as a point of reference, when was the last ground rule triple in the Majors?

Answer 7

It's not impossible, it depends on the ground rules for the field you're playing on. A ground rule double is just that, when the ball enters an area on the "grounds" it is "ruled" a "double". Simple. The umpire, at his discretion, can set a ground rule where a particular instance would be awarded a triple.

Answer 8

The only thing I can come up with is if a batter gets a base hit to the outfield such that no outfielder touches it by the time the batter passes second base and then a fan jumps on to the field and grabs the ball. The batter is then allowed third base for a ground rule triple.

Answer 9

No such thing as a ground rule triple at Fenway as far as I know. There's nothing in the ground rules about it. Homey G, if it hits the ladder and goes out of the park, it's a ground rule double.

Answer 10

Technically, it would have to be a Book Rule triple, as the rule is from the Book of rules, not the Ground of rules...

It is umpire's discretion...although it is perhaps the only thing I haven't seen in my years of watching the game.

Answer 11

According to the MLB rulebook there is no situation where a batter is awarded 3 bases. It's either a home run or two bases.
Rule 6.09

*** Ammendment ***
Damn, I was wrong and I am man enough to admit it.
K R looks like the first one to get the right answer. Three bases are awarded if a player uses equipment other than his glove to play a ball in play and at a minimum touches the ball. (I paraphrased)