How many of Ruth’s home runs would be counted as ground rule doubles today? I read once that balls that bounced in fair territory, but then went over the fence, used to be counted as home runs.
. A fair ball that bounces through or over a fence or into the stands is considered a ground-rule double instead of a home run. [6.09]
Ok, I learned something.
But this will get real ugly if Bonds gets close to Hank's record.
And walk-off homers didn't count back then either. Say the Yanks were tied with the Red Sox 4-4 in the Bronx. Bottom of the 9th. Runner on first. Babe hits one out of the park. As soon as the runner on first scores, the game ends, 5-4. The Babe would not be credited with a home run. I'm not sure how this affected Ruth's career numbers, but it's an interesting rule.