Ground rules (baseball)

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In baseball, ground rules are special rules particular to each baseball park (grounds) in which the game is played. Unlike the well-defined playing field of most other sports, the playing area of a baseball field extends to an outfield fence in fair territory and the stadium seating in foul territory. The unique design of each ballpark, including fences, dugouts, bullpens, railings, stadium domes, photographer's wells and TV camera booths, requires that rules be defined to handle situations in which these objects may interact or interfere with the ball in play or with the players.

Examples of ground rules of major league ballparks include:

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Minnesota Twins) - A batted ball that lodges in the roof is a double.
Progressive Field (Cleveland Indians)- A batted ball that hits a foul pole or attached screen is a fair ball.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles) - Foul poles with screens attached are outside of playing field.
Astrodome (formerly Houston Astros) - A batted ball that hits a public-address system speaker and lands in fair territory is in play.
Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays) - A batted ball that hits either of the two lower catwalks (C Ring and D Ring) between the yellow foul poles is ruled a home run. The two upper catwalks (the A Ring and B Ring) are considered in play; a ball that touches either can drop for a hit or be caught for an out.