Do you love playing baseball? Do you wish you could hit a ground-rule triple like the pros? Well, it turns out that there are some tricks to getting this elusive three-base hit.
In this blog post, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to get a ground-rule triple in baseball. So read on and start practicing! You may be surprised at how easy it is once you know the right techniques.
How Do You Get a Ground-rule Triple in Baseball?
There are a few ways to get a Ground-Rule Triple.
The first way is if a fielder fails to catch the ball while going over the fence/wall after it bounces from striking the ground.
The second way is if a fielder fails to catch the ball while going under an imaginary extension of a fence/wall.
A third way to get a Ground-Rule Triple is when a batted ball strikes any object, person, or animal outside of the field which results in an automatic 3 base award.
Some Tricks to Get a Ground-rule Triple
There are two main tricks that you can use to get yourself a ground-rule triple if the opportunity presents itself.
The first trick is to simply hit the ball very high into one of the sidewalls that surround the field. This means that the ball will bounce off the wall and travel a greater distance.
The second trick is to hit a pop fly instead of a ground ball because pop flies tend to go higher in the air and come down on one of the sides of the field. This is often a safer bet than trying to hit the ball directly into a wall because it’s much less likely to be caught by an outfielder.
The best spot to aim for on any field is right next to one of the walls, which means that you’ll get your ground-rule triple nearly every time if you use these two tricks. Of course, you can always get on base with a normal single or double too.
What Is a Ground-rule Triple?
A ground-rule triple is a three-base hit, which is to say that the player runs past first and second base but does not score. The ball must travel over an outfield fence in fair play or be touched by a fan for it to count as a ground-rule triple. If either of these things happens, then this special type of three-base hit is called a ground-rule triple.
What Are Some Different Types of Triples?
In baseball, there are four different types of triples which include inside-the-park home runs, ground-rule doubles, regular triples, and inside-the-park.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular Triple and a Ground-rule Triple?
A regular triple is when a player makes it past third base safely, so they’ve hit the ball to an infield position on the other side of second base. A ground-rule triple is when a player hits the ball past third base but it lands in the stands.
What Happens After a Player Gets a Ground-rule Triple?
After hitting a ground-rule triple, players have an opportunity to score. If they hit the ball over the outfield fence of the field in fair play, they will be awarded a home run and can score. If they hit the ball into the stands in fair play, then the player will be awarded an automatic home run.
After either of these things happen, players are allowed to return to their bases and continue playing until there is another out or until they get switched out for another player on base.
What Does NAPBL Say About Ground-rule Triple
The rules of Major League Baseball do not mention anything about ground-rule triple and it is not an official MLB rule as well. This rule has been drawn up by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL). The ground-rule triple was drawn up to accommodate fans in those ballparks where it would be difficult for a batted ball to get out of the ballpark.
The ground-rule triple is, according to NAPBL, “a play in which a batted ball, that would have become an automatic double had not these rules been in effect, strikes the fence or any object over the fence in fair territory and bounces into the stands or any other area where there is no chance of an outfielder getting to it (including into a dugout), and then continues rolling along the ground, thereby preventing an outfielder from retrieving it without entering into the stands.”
Ground-rule triples are also possible in NAPBL affiliated minor leagues. In Japan, NPB teams have the right to determine what constitutes a ground-rule triple. For example, Seibu Dome does not count them as official home runs if the ball rolls along the outfield wall.
Stadiums with a minimum fence distance of 400 feet (122 m) from the home plate where a batted ball would probably bounce back onto the field or into an area easily accessed by the fielder, and stadiums with a minimum distance of 320 feet (98 m) where a batted ball would probably remain in the stands or be unreachable by an outfielder, are most likely to have this rule.
However, even if the home team ballpark has such sections of fair territory beyond or under the fence that are out-of-play or into which a fielder may enter to attempt to catch a ball, no ground-rule triple is called if the batted ball strikes any object hanging from the ceiling.
What Are the Exceptions to the Ground-rule Role Triple?
There are some exceptions to the ground-rule rule. If a team hits back-to-back home runs, only one of them will be regarded as a ground-rule triple, usually, the one that hits the fence first. Also, if a batted ball bounces off of dirt or grass beyond the outfield wall, it may still be called a home run on appeal even if its last bounce is on the foul ground before reaching the fence.
- If the outfield area beyond the fence consists of mounds, flagpoles, or some other ground that is out-of-play, no more than one run can be scored on this play. If a fielder knocks down or stops the ball before it reaches an out-of-play area, only if he holds onto it.
- The ground-rule triple is likely to be seen when the ball is hit over the outfield fence in an area where it would not be a home run. For example, Wrigley Field has many out-of-play areas, including both of its bleacher sections, and these are most frequently accessed by simply climbing up onto the top of the fence and dropping down into the area. When a batted ball strikes an out-of-play area of Wrigley Field, it is ruled as a ground-rule triple by default.
In addition to those rules, if a fielder attempts to catch a fly ball that has been deflected by a windmill or other object over the fence, he must have a reasonable chance of catching the ball for it to be ruled a ground-rule triple or inside-the-park home run. If he seemingly makes the effort for the show but drops the ball while going over or under the fence, it is simply a regular home run.
Baseball Tips to Get a Ground-rule Triple
The following are helpful tips to guide you in getting your first ground rule triple:
1) You need to hit the ball hard and not hit it too high.
2) The location of the ball is also a factor in obtaining this baseball accomplishment. If you want to be able to get your first ground-rule triple, then try hitting it towards left or right field. Most triples are hit in that direction because there are fewer players crowded near the fence.
3) If you want to maximize chances of getting your first triple, then try hitting towards the fence without actually hitting it (and making it bounce back into play). If you can accomplish this, then there is no way for an outfielder to catch your ball even if he tries! High fly balls are also difficult to catch. If you hit it hard enough, then the outfielder will need perfect timing and to be in the right location for him to catch your ball.
4) If there are less than two outs and you want to maximize your chances of getting a triple, try hitting it towards the right side of the field because this gives you more time to run to third base.
5) You need not hit the ball very high—just make sure it is hard enough for you to get the result you want.
6) Hitting towards any of the corners is also helpful because this directs your batted ball away from both the left fielder and center fielder. With their attention diverted, you can easily run to third base and take advantage of this opportunity for your first triple.
7) Be patient and wait for the right opportunity (i.e., open space at the outfield; a weak-armed outfielder). If you force things, then it will be hard to get your ground rule triple. The best opportunities for this accomplishment happen when a fielder is crowding the fence and many players near third base. If you get your timing right, then you will be able to get your first triple!
8) You need to practice and learn from other players who have gotten their ground-rule triples. But most of all, you need to have patience and timing. If you are not patient enough, then it will be harder to get your first triple.
Likewise, if you do not time things right, there is less chance that you will be able to hit it with enough strength to make it go over the fence.
Final Thought
If you want to get a ground-rule triple in baseball, it will take more than just speed and agility. Your team’s pitcher should be throwing the ball up high enough for you to catch it on your way around third base. Once you have caught the ball, make sure that your foot touches home plate before running back over second base and head towards first as fast as possible!
The other players need to give you room so that they can stop any throws coming from the outfielders off of their gloves. You also need to keep an eye out for anything or anyone who might be trying to tag your feet with their own! A ground-rule triple is pretty difficult but if done correctly, can help put some distance between you and your opponents.
Therefore, if you want to learn how to get a ground-rule triple, make sure that the above tips are followed closely. If you practice enough, then it is possible to be able to accomplish this feat and do your team proud!
FAQs
Can a ground-rule triple also be called an inside-the-park home run?
No. A ground-rule triple is where the ball has bounced off of something before crossing over the fence and into the stands. An inside-the-park home run is where the outfielders do not touch the ball before it goes over the fence.
What is the difference between a ground-rule triple and a regular triple?
A ground-rule triple is where the ball has gone over the fence inside of the field. A regular triple is when a player goes around all three bases to score a run in baseball.
Can triples become double plays?
That depends on the situation. For example, if two teams are tied, then a regular triple can become a double play. However, this does not happen very often because hitters will try their best to avoid this occurrence.
Ground-rule triples are rarer but can become double plays depending on how many outs there are left in the inning. If there are runners on second base and third base, then it is more likely for this type of triple to become a double play.
What is the average number of triples per game?
The average number of triples throughout a season in MLB is around 30 or so. However, individual players will vary due to performance depending on the year.
What is a ground-rule double?
A ground-rule double is where a batted ball bounces off of something before going over the fence. This happens near a fielder and can make it difficult for them to catch the ball before it goes over the fence, allowing an extra-base to be taken.
What is the fastest recorded speed for a triple?
The fastest speed for a triple was achieved by Willie Wilson in 1979 at 21.92 mph. This record has not been bested by any other player since then.
Who was the first baseball player to hit three triples in one game?
Sam Crawford was the first baseball player to hit three triples in one game for the Detroit Tigers on August 31, 1908. This record has not been bested by any other baseball player ever since.
