Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX,

This question isn't really answerable.

"Ground Rules" are the specific rules applied to an individual playing field. They apply only to games played at that field. Very few major-league baseball stadiums have them any more. For example, Wrigley field has a ground rule that states any baseball that is absorbed by the ivy coating the outfield walls and does not either fall out or become immediately visible is ruled as an automatic double with runners advancing two bases. The ballpark in Houston has a ground rule that states the flag pole in center field is in play, but if a ball hits it and bounces out, it's a home run.

This brings up a problem shared by almost EVERY announcer in baseball. When a ball hits the ground in fair territory and bounces into the stands, it should not be called a "ground-rule double", it should be called and "automatic double". Official score sheets note it as such. No one really knows why every announcer calls it a ground rule double... but if you go to the rule book, you will see a clear distinction between ground rules and automatic doubles.

Which brings me to why the question can't be answered. There are no modern ballparks that I know of (and I follow baseball pretty closely) that have any mention of a ground rule triple. I checked all current stadiums ground rules at MLB.com. There might have been in pre World War 2 days, however the vast majority of stadiums awarded two bases for any ball that was unplayable but not a home run or foul.

The only three-base penalty is when a fielder uses his hat to field a ball or throws his glove at a ball he could not otherwise reach.

I hope this helps,

Colin