Need your opinion on this scenario (baseball stuck under outfield fence)

Don't you guys agree beforehand that if the ball gets stuck under the fence, it's a ground rule double? Just seems to make more sense IMO.

 

You guys need a better fence.

 

Yes. However, as I was saying above, they were protesting the fact the CF grabbed the ball and threw in back in before an umpire could verify it was indeed lodged.

 

Call the NFL headquarters for an official ruling.

 

Once time is called by any umpire, it's assumed to be a ground rule double (at least, that's how it was explained by the KC Royals guys who had this situation about a week ago). I don't think the second-base umpire is required to verify that the ball is indeed stuck - once the outfielder is granted time by any umpire, the ground rule comes into play.

 

Exactly. If it is stuck in any form or the fielder can't get to it, the umpire should call time. The runners wouldn't be advancing because of a hit. They'd be advancing because of an impediment in the field of play.

 

Thanks guys. An update. Our brain-dead convenor ruled in favor of the team at bat. We've got to resume the game in the bottom of the 7th, with two out, and get this - with the runner having scored and the batter being granted third. Don't ask.