Ground rules are rules applying to the field, objects on and near it, and special situations relating to them, in the game of baseball. Major League Baseball has defined a set of "universal ground rules" that apply to all MLB ballparks; individual ballparks have the latitude to set ground rules above and beyond the universal ground rules, as long as they do not directly contradict each other. Additionally, a set of universal ground rules exists for the six MLB stadiums with retractable roofs, with the individual ballparks able to set additional rules.
Fenway Park has a ground rule for balls that hit the top of the ladder on the Green Monster and go out of play—the batter is awarded a ground rule double
A baseball field, also called a ball field or baseball diamond, is the field upon which the game of baseball is played. The term can also be used as a metonym for a baseball park. The term sandlot is sometimes used, although this usually refers to less organized venues for activities like sandlot ball.
The baseball diamond of the San Diego Padres' Petco Park in 2005
Kevin Pillar of the Toronto Blue Jays reaches first base safely as Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles attempts to scoop a bouncing ball thrown by one of the other infielders during a game in May 2017.
Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins leaps over a sliding Jonathan Schoop of the Baltimore Orioles attempting to turn a double play.
David Ortiz (in gray) of the Boston Red Sox stands in the left-handed hitters' batter's box at U.S. Cellular Field against the Chicago White Sox on July 7, 2006.
