Rule 6.09(h) (Jose Canseco Rule)

[AirForceBlue]

Just took my LL open book test.

Can someone explain to me the LAST sentence in Rule 6.09 (h)?

I understand if a fair fly ball conks off the fielder's head over the fence into foul territory, two bases.

If a fair fly ball conks off the fielder's head over the fence into fair territory, home run.

What's the purpose of the last sentence, "However, should such a fair fly be deflected at a point less than 165 feet (250 feet) from home plate, the batter shall be entitled to two bases only."

I understand the first two situations? Can someone describe the third?

I apologize for my ignorance.

AFB

[Mr Umpire]

What they want you to do is bring a measuring tape for plays like this? Then, when he gets hit, measure it before making your ruling.

I don't know what the purpose is. The only thing I can guess is that is the minimal distance a fence can be to HP. So, anything less than that would not have gone over a fence at that minimal distance. Anything beyond that point would have gone over the minimal distance any way. Rule 1.04.

[Dragon29]

These numbers are thrown in by LL because there are a number of leagues whose fields are in parks and they do not have outfield fences, or whose outfield fences are necessarily closer in than 165' or 250'.

In the former case, it is not unusual to see a low, 'flexible' outfield wall erected - if such a wall is too close to home plate, that last sentence would come into effect. Now, would I ever measure it? No - if there's a fence and the ball went over, I'm sending the batter Home.

I worked a field (at a park, open ended, no fences) two years ago where, when the Home manager was taking us around the field in the pre-game conference, he pointed to stand of trees at the edge of right field in fair territory and said, "If the ball goes in there, it's a ground-rule triple." (No, we did not let that one go)

[Ump29]

Check 6.09 d (OBR) for awarding of a Home Run. The ball must go out more than 250 feet from home.

[mstaylor]

It is a product of how far the ball has to go to be a HR. The number is different for different leagues but as far as I know they all have some minimum.

[someoneinca]

I don't know what the purpose is. The only thing I can guess is that is the minimal distance a fence can be to HP. So, anything less than that would not have gone over a fence at that minimal distance. Anything beyond that point would have gone over the minimal distance any way. Rule 1.04.

That is correct