6.09 Batter Becomes a Runner
The batter becomes a runner when-
(a) a fair ball is hit;
(b) Majors/ Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/ Senior/ Big League only: the third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied or (2) first base is occupied with two out; (NOTE: A batter forfeits his/ her opportunity to advance to first base when he/ she enters the dugout or other dead ball area);
(c) a fair ball, after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or after having been touched by a fielder, including the pitcher, shall touch an umpire or runner in fair territory;
(d) a fair fly ball passes over a fence or into the stands at a distance from home base of 165 feet or more. Such hit entitles the batter to a home run when all bases have been legally touched. A fair fly ball that passes out of the playing field at a point less than 165 feet from home base shall entitle the batter to advance to second base only;
(e) a fair ball, after touching the ground, bounds into the stands; passes through, over, or under a fence; through or under a scoreboard; or through or under shrubbery or vines on the fence, in which case the batter and runners shall be entitled to advance two bases;
(f) any fair ball which, either before or after touching the ground, passes through or under a fence, through or under a scoreboard, through any opening in the fence or scoreboard, through or under shrubbery or vines on the fence, or which sticks in a fence or scoreboard, in which case the batter and the runners shall be entitled to two bases;
(g) any bounding fair ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over or under a fence on fair or foul territory, in which case the batter and all runners shall be entitled to advance two bases;
(h) any fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over the fence into foul territory, in which case the batter shall be entitled to advance to second base; but if deflected into the stands or over the fence in fair territory, the batter shall be entitled to a home run. However, should such a fair fly be deflected at a point less than 165 feet from home plate, the batter shall be entitled to two bases only.
