Homerun?

[Paul Chilson]

http://m.mlb.com/video/v306947483/

I understand the catch/no catch...but why is this a Homerun and not a ground rule double? The ball was carried into dbt. We don't call a ball carried from fair territory into foul and then dropped a foul ball.

What would be the call under Fed or NCAA rules?

 

Edited July 29, 2015 by Paul Chilson

[Thunderheads]

The more complex of the two plays occurred in Boston on White Sox batter Jose Abreu's long fly ball to right-center field, where Red Sox CF Mookie Betts attempted to catch the sinking fly. Replays indicate that after capturing the ball in his glove, Betts' momentum took him up over the wall and into the Fenway Park bullpen, whereupon the ball popped out of his glove. In addition to an involuntary release, Betts' effort was not ruled a catch by the New York Replay Official because, pursuant to the MLBUM interpretation, his momentum was not completed with the ball still in his control. As Rule 6.09 (OBR 2015 Rule 5.05(a)(9)) states, a four-base award (home run) shall be granted if "any fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands [in fair territory]." If deflected into foul territory, the award is second base. Had there been less than two outs on this play and Betts was ruled to have legally caught the ball before carrying it out of play, any existing runners would be awarded one base (and B1 would be declared out).
Video: Abreu hits a home run when Betts accidentally juggles his deep drive out of the park (CWS)
Easter Egg: Watch Bullpen Cop, Boston Police Officer Steve Horgan, do his thing at 3:48.

[maven]

Yes, but only the catch. I get that. Why is it a HR?

Because the ball left the field of play over fair in flight.

It's not a catch, so it can't be catch & carry.

A ball that hits only a fielder is still in flight (see José Canseco) and can be caught for an out.

Since this ball touched only a fielder before leaving the field of play in flight over fair, it is a HR.

Same ruling in all codes.

[Thunderheads]

already being discussed ....

[Paul Chilson]

already being discussed ....

Yes, but only the catch. I get that. Why is it a HR?

[Paul Chilson]

Thanks guys!

[Rich Ives]

Yes, but only the catch. I get that. Why is it a HR?

It left the field in flight.