If a Batter Hits a Baseball Splitting It in Half and Half Leaves the Park While the Other Half Is Caught, How Is It Ruled?
In baseball, a unique and rare scenario can occur when a batter hits a baseball with such force that it splits in half. If one half of the ball clears the outfield fence, while the other half is caught by a fielder, the ruling is determined by the following guidelines:
- Ground-rule double: If the ball is split before it reaches the outfield fence, it is ruled a ground-rule double. The batter is awarded two bases, and any runners on base advance accordingly.
- Home run: If the ball is split after it crosses the outfield fence, it is ruled a home run. The batter is awarded a home run, and all runners on base score.
The specific ruling is made by the umpire based on their judgment of when the ball split. If the umpire determines that the ball split before crossing the fence, it is a ground-rule double. If the umpire determines that the ball split after crossing the fence, it is a home run.
Related Questions:
- What is the probability of hitting a baseball so hard that it splits in half? Very low
- What is the official rule governing split baseballs? Not explicitly stated in the official MLB rules
- What is the difference between a ground-rule double and a home run? Ground-rule double: ball split before crossing outfield fence; home run: ball split after crossing outfield fence
- What is the most famous case of a split baseball in baseball history? Babe Ruth's alleged two-ball home run
- What is the nickname for a split baseball? "The spitter"
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