3-base penalty?

[Wynton]

I was just watching the Braves telecast when an announcer stated a rule I never heard of. The announcer noted that the catcher had used his equipment to pick up a ball in foul territory. He then proceeded to say that, if the ball had been in fair territory, it would be illegal to use your equipment (i.e., his mask) to touch the ball, and that the penalty would be THREE BASES.

Is this correct? Can anyone offer a fuller explanation of this?

[Karak567]

In addition, if the penalty occurs in the outfield then the batter/runner can be awarded a home run at the ump's discretion.

[KJS]

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In addition, if the penalty occurs in the outfield then the batter/runner can be awarded a home run at the ump's discretion.

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For example, throwing your glove up to catch the ball or using your cap, correct?

KJS

[mbillie1]

This rule is obviously the product of terrorists infiltrating MLB as there is nothing more American than catching a fly ball in your hat.

[mo42nyy]

if you throw eqiptment at the ball and make contact with the ball it is a 3 base penalty

[RacersEdge]

That's a bad habit McCann has - he's going get burned eventually.

[THEOSU]

ironically, it's only a 2 ball penalty if you do it with your cup.

lolz omg so not funny but i had to say it anyway.

[mbillie1]

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ironically, it's only a 2 ball penalty if you do it with your cup.

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I lol'd

[Suigin406]

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ironically, it's only a 2 ball penalty if you do it with your cup.

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I lol'd

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[MicroBob]

Yes. It's typically called a 'ground-rule triple' although the ball is still officially live. So if the runner has a chance to go all the way home he can go for it. Just like a batter automatically gets first on a walk, but is allowed to try for 2nd if the ball had rolled all the way to the backstop or something.

I'm still waiting for the first time I get to see one of these super-rare ground-rule triples. They have occured a few times though.