West Park

Stopped. Watched. icon

Lovely light before the storm. But what is this small fence up in the air? And why are there two of them? I’m not a ball player and I can’t imagine what role they play in the game. [photo]

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6 Comments

  1. By Maggie Fulton
    June 12, 2013 at 8:41 pm | permalink

    Those are foul poles. Tells officials and players whether a ball is fair or foul. Lines on the field extend into the air (the “fence”)in case of a fly ball.

  2. By Linda Diane Feldt
    June 12, 2013 at 9:14 pm | permalink

    Are they usually made like a mini fence? Thanks for the explanation. I’ve never noticed them at any other ball field. Which is why it is a good thing to stop and watch.

  3. By Tom Brandt
    June 12, 2013 at 10:49 pm | permalink

    You always see them in parks where professional baseball is played, they are less common where recreational ball is played.

  4. By Tom Brandt
    June 12, 2013 at 10:53 pm | permalink

    And yes, they are always made like a mini-fence. Cf this one in Comerica Park in Detroit.

  5. By Steve Bean
    June 12, 2013 at 11:01 pm | permalink

    My understanding is that the little net it there so that the ump can see it it move when the ball hits it if it’s just barely a foul ball. Otherwise the fair/foul call could be more difficult (and argued over). Not sure why it doesn’t extend down to the top of the outfield fence.

  6. By johnboy
    June 12, 2013 at 11:04 pm | permalink

    I thought it was for those West Park jumping jack rabbits.