4 base error home run call
2016/7/15 17:05:30
Question
At a game this weekend (ASA sanctioned) a 4 base error home run was called by the umpire (also certified). With 3 runners on and with 2 outs, a fly ball is hit to right field. The right fielder catches the ball (in the field of play) falls against the fence (a temporary fence constructed for the tournament) which gives way and the player falls to the ground and still retains the ball in his glove. The player is now on the other side of the fallen fence (it is completely knocked down for about 20 feet) and the umpire calls it a four base error home run for the player leaving the field of play with the ball. All 4 runs score and 2 other runs score after the play before the inning ends. Was the correct call made or was this the 3rd out and the inning ends. I would understand that if there would only have been one out that the runners could have advanced a base for carrying a legal catch out of the field of play.
Answer
Hi Dan,
If F9 had control of the ball before touching dead ball territory, it is a legal catch, this includes contact with the fence (off or laying on the ground)which is considered an extension of the playing field.
The only way it would be a 4 base award is if F9 was bobbling the ball and did not gain control until they were in dbt, off of or on the other side of the fence.
Mark
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