Baseball fields come in all different shapes and sizes. One of the best things about baseball is the character of the fields, and that every field is different. The fences can be different sizes and shapes. However, you may notice some fields have a yellow line on top of the fence. Why is the top of the baseball fence yellow?
You may notice some parts of an MLB field have a yellow line and some don’t. Also most little league fields, or even high school fields you may notice the top of the fence has yellow tubing on it and maybe curious as to why?
The yellow line is a clear indicator to the umpire where the home run fence ends, and where the stands begin.
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Yellow Line on the fence in MLB
For MLB, the yellow line on the fence will show you where the home run fence is located. Some fields may have a false fence behind the home run fence where the stands start and the playing field ends.
If you have watched a game where a ball hits the fence and flies back onto the field and wonder to yourself why it was called a home run. The reason is that it went over the home run fence, marked with a yellow line, hit the barrier behind it, and bounced back into play. In this case, it is in fact a home run.
Most fences in little league or high school are made with chain links. The top of the fence is very sharp, a yellow tube is put over the fence to protect the fielder in case he has to climb the fence to catch a ball. In the outfield, you may notice that tubing is yellow to help the umpires get clear visual evidence of a home run.
Tubing around the dugouts or foul lines however will most likely be a more neutral color like black or grey. The color yellow is used for the outfield to make sure the umpires can see if the ball clears the outfield fence for a home run.
If the ball hits the yellow line and bounces back into play the ball is live and in play. The ball MUST clear the yellow line or hit the yellow line and go over the fence to be considered a home run.
What happens if the ball bounces over the fence?
If a baseball is hit, lands in fair territory, and then bounces over the fence the ruling is ground-rule double. The player who hits the ball is rewarded a double, and each player on base will advance 2 bases.
This can actually take away from the offense in scenarios where a runner on first would easily have scored but will have to stop at third.
If a ball is overthrown and goes over the fence or in the dugout, the base runner has rewarded the base he is running to plus one extra base. This doesn’t happen very often in major league baseball but happens quite a bit in little league and high school.
What is the ruling if the baseball hits the foul pole?
If the ball hits the foul pole on the fly it is ruled a home run!
I’ve always wondered why they call it a foul pole when the foul pole is actually considered fair territory? Seems like they should call it a fair pole!
You will also notice the foul pole is painted yellow. Again this is to give the umpire an easy way to visually see if the ball goes inside or outside the foul pole.
What if the ball hits the roof of a dome?
If a baseball hits a roof in a dome, it’s considered a foul ball, however, a fielder can catch the ball and record an out. At that point the runners on base are able to advance at their own risk.
It’s important to note there may be different ground rules for different fields, and you should check the areas that are considered dead ball areas. For instance at the Tampa Bay field, if a ball gets stuck in the catwalk area the play is treated like a ground-rule double, meaning the batter, and runners on base all are awarded 2 bases.
Here is a great example of a play in Tokyo that hit the roof. The announcers do a good job explaining a few different rules in Tampa Bay and how they differ in Tokyo.
What happens if a baseball hits an umpire?
The umpire is considered part of the field. If a baseball hits the umpire its considered a live ball. If the umpire is hit in foul territory the ball is considered a foul ball.
If you notice in MLB there are 4 umpires. You will notice an umpire behind the plate, and 1 down the first base line and 1 down the third baseline. These umpires will try to stay in foul territory so if the ball hits them off the bat, it will be a foul ball. There is also an umpire who stands up the middle behind the pitcher. If the ball hits him its considered a live ball.
In little league and high school, you will often only have 2 umpires. one behind the plate calling balls and strikes, and 1 in the field who will float between the first baseline and behind the pitcher. The same rules apply, if he gets hit with a ball then the ball is considered live. Imagine him as just part of the field.
Conclusion: Why is the top of the baseball fence yellow
One thing that makes baseball unique over all other sports is the differences in playing fields. As you get to know and understand this great game, you the character of the game really starts to grow on you. These things may be confusing at first, however the more you understand the game, the more you are able to enjoy it.