What is the rule concerning balls getting lost in or on the outfield wall like in the ivy at Wrigley?

Question

I'm sure this has happened a lot but I can't remember what the real rule is:

Lets say a guy hits a double into the wall and it rolls into the ivy. So now the guy is at second base running to third as the ball is in the ivy. The ball is still technically playable for the outfielder, but he throws his hands up to signify that the ball is out of play. Is it then up to the umpire to decide a ground rule double, or is it automatically that when the ball becomes somewhat hidden?

Answer 1

the ball is still in play

Answer 2

If the outfielder attempts to get it out the ivy the ball is in play. If it sticks in the ivy and the outfielder does not attempt to get it, it is a ground rule double.

Answer 3

I'm a Sox fan but i know the answer. If they rich in the Ivy for the ball it's live. When they do that the runner would already be at 3rd or home. I know this because when it gets stuck in the Ivy you have to run to it. By the time you ran to it they'll be almost at second if you put your hands up before they passed second it will be a ground rule double but if they passed second they go to 3rd. So when their almost at second you probably got the ball but their rounding second now by the time you bomb it to your cut-off   or just to 3rd they'll defiantly be safe and you'd rather have them stay at 2nd instead of 3rd

Answer 4

I believe they have to play the ball no matter where it is in the ivy becasue the ivy doesn't go all the way to the ground.  I've seen people looking through it before on sportscenter.

Answer 5

It will likey end of the home rules. ususally its a double if they feilder cant find it.

it also depands where the runners are as well when he puts his hands up.

Answer 6

Any time a ball (batted or thrown) gets stuck in a wall, scoreboard, ivy, screen, etc., it's dead and runners are awarded two bases.

In your play, the ball is not playable -- it's in the ivy. Thus, it is dead. The batter-runner gets second and other runners get two bases from the time of the pitch. It does not matter whether the fielder could pull it out. Once it sticks, it's dead.

Answer 7

The ground rules in Wrigley Field state that if a ball is lost in the ivy it is a "ground rule" double.  However, if the ball is in plane view it must be played by the defensive player and the base runner can advance at his discretion.  In the event the umpire calls a "ground rule" double all base runners can only advance two bases.

Answer 8

At Wrigley, the ball is in play until the ump declares the play a ground rule double. The runner will continue running until the ump does declare it a ground rule double, and will be sent to second if he advances past second base. The outfielder must throw his hands up right away in order for the ump to declare it a ground rule double. If the outfielder actively looks for the ball before the ump declares a ground rule double, the ball is still in play and the runner can keep running until the ball is thrown back to the infield. This can, and has resulted in an inside the park home run.

Answer 9

From the 2008 NL Green Book:

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• Fair ball lodges in vines on bleacher walls: Two

Bases.

• Fair ball enters vines on bleacher walls and rebounds

onto playing field: In Play.

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So, it all depends on whether the umpire thinks the ball has rebounded onto the playing field.  Note, if the ball is, say, halfway up the wall when it becomes lodged, the ground rule would still seem to indicate dead ball.  If the ball's on the ground, it's not as clear-cut.  Umpire's judgment there.  Has the ball rebounded out?  His call.