"What happens if the ball hits the roof?" What are the special rules at Tokyo Dome?
If you know this, you will be a Baseball expert.

What happens if the ball hits the ceiling?

If the ball hits the ceiling or a hanging object in fair territory, it is in play. In other words, it is judged to be a fair ball or a foul ball at the point where it falls or where a fielder touches it. If a fielder catches the ball before it hits the ground, the batter is out.

What if the ball gets stuck in a hole or gap in the ceiling and doesn't fall?

It's not a hole-in-one, it's a dead ball. If it's in fair territory, both the batter and the runner are given two safe bases. If it's in foul territory, it's a foul ball.

Who was the first to have the special rules applied to them?

The first time the special rule was applied at Tokyo Dome was in a match between Nippon Ham and Hankyu in 1988. The ball hit by Hankyu's Williams off Nippon Ham's pitcher Nishizaki hit the ceiling, bounced off and landed in the second-floor infield seats, resulting in it being recorded as a foul.

Special Rules Who hit the first home run?

The first home run under the Tokyo Dome special rules was hit by Kintetsu's Bryant. The ball hit by Nippon Ham pitcher Kaku hit a speaker hanging from the ceiling. The ball fell in front of center field, but it was the first certified home run in history. The ball's estimated flight distance was 160m, making it the longest home run ever recorded at Tokyo Dome. Any player who has hit a ball into the speaker since Bryant was awarded a cash prize.

• ​As of 2016, this special rule has been abolished due to the removal of the large ceiling speakers.

If you hit a home run onto the advertising billboard on the main screen at Tokyo Dome, you'll win some cash and prizes, right?

Yes. If a player hits a home run on one of the 10 advertising billboards on the main screen during an official Yomiuri Giants game, the player will receive a prize of 1 million yen or a gift from the advertising company.

big board home run award

What happens if a ball hits the Excite Seats?

If the ball lands in the Excite Seats, it is considered a dead ball. If the ball immediately bounces back onto the playing field, it is also considered a dead ball.