What is a ground rule double?

• A. A ball that bounces over or through the boundary in fair territory, awarding two bases to the batter-runner
• B. A ball that lands in foul territory
• C. A ball caught in the outfield
• D. A ball that lands on first base

Answer: (A)

A ground-rule double happens when a batted ball, while in fair territory, bounces over or goes through the boundary of the field. Because the boundary feature (like a wall or fence) makes a normal play impossible, the umpire awards the batter-runner two bases, and runners on base advance two bases as well. The ball is considered dead once it crosses the boundary under the park’s ground rules. This situation is different from a foul ball, which isn’t awarded two bases, and from a ball caught in the outfield, which would be an out. It’s also not simply about landing on a base; it’s specifically the boundary rule that grants the two-base award.