OBR 5.05(a)(6)-(9)
Ground-rule double
When a fair batted ball bounces over the fence, wedges in the wall, or is deflected out of play, the batter and every runner are awarded exactly two bases from the time of the pitch — even if a runner could easily have scored.
Key points
- Automatic two bases for everyone. A runner on first does not score, even with two outs.
- Applies to balls that bounce into the stands, stick in the ivy or fencing, or are deflected by a fielder over the fence in fair territory.
- A ball deflected by a fielder directly over the home-run fence in flight can be a home run — deflection on the fly is different from a bounce.
- Each park's quirks (rafters, catwalks, ladders) are covered by posted ground rules on top of the OBR.
In a game
Two outs, runner on first, gapper hops over the wall. The runner crosses home standing.
Ruling · He goes back to third. The award is two bases from the time of the pitch, no exceptions for obvious runs.
Why it moves the scoreboard
Takes near-certain runs off the board — a bounce over the fence freezes runners two bases from the pitch regardless of speed or outs.
Related rules