Home run or out?

[Guest Jake]

A ball is hit and the outfielder dives to make a catch and falls over the outfield fence. Is it a catch and an out or is it ruled a home run since they didn't land in the field of play?

[Rich Ives]

Catch unless he dropped it upon hitting the wall or landing.  If he dropped: it it's in play if in the field and a HR if over the fence.

In watching MLB on TV have you never seen a fielder catch a ball and fall into the stands?

[Guest Jake]

Thanks Rich, that's what I thought too. We recently had this happen and the umpires ruled it a home run because the fielder didn't establish himself in the field of play. I was just looking for clarification in the off chance it happens again

[Rich Ives]

16 minutes ago, Guest Jake said:

Thanks Rich, that's what I thought too. We recently had this happen and the umpires ruled it a home run because the fielder didn't establish himself in the field of play. I was just looking for clarification in the off chance it happens again

Football call in a baseball game.

[Omega194]

Yep what Rich said. Also runners are awarded one base if not 3rd out

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[stkjock]

19 minutes ago, Rich Ives said:

Catch unless he dropped it upon hitting the wall or landing.  If he dropped: it it's in play if in the field and a HR if over the fence.

 

Quote

Rule 5.09(a)(1) Comment (Rule 6.05(a ) Comment): A fielder may reach into, but not step into, a dugout to make a catch, and if he holds the ball, the catch shall be allowed. A fielder, in order to make a catch on a foul ball nearing a dugout or other out-of-play area (such as the stands), must have one or both feet on or over the playing surface (including the lip of the dugout) and neither foot on the ground inside the dugout or in any other out-of-play area. Ball is in play, unless the fielder, after making a legal catch, steps or falls into a dugout or other out-of-play area, in which case the ball is dead. Status of runners shall be as described in Rule 5.06(b)(3)(C) Comment (Rule 7.04(c) Comment). 

since not addressed in the OP, minor point /\  ( bold emphasis added) - unlikely was it is in OBR, however in some levels (IMO) the fence could be low enough for it to happen

[JaxRolo]

3 hours ago, Rich Ives said:

Catch unless he dropped it upon hitting the wall or landing.  If he dropped: it it's in play if in the field and a HR if over the fence.

In watching MLB on TV have you never seen a fielder catch a ball and fall into the stands?

^^^THIS^^