Expert: Andrew Senger - 3/12/2009

Question
Ball is going over right field fence when fielder jumps up, catches it (glove over fence) and goes over fence (short fence). Fielder lands glove first and releases ball. Now, is that a stolen home run or home run.

Thanks

Answer
If I felt the ball would have gone over the fence on the fly, I would rule this a home run. If I felt the ball only went over the fence because of the fielder, I would advance each runner two bases (known as a ground-rule double).

In both instances, the batter would not be out, because the fielder never had control of the ball.