Roofs as X-factors in World Series between Rays and Brewers

MILWAUKEE – Fans attending the World Series this year could look up to the roofs at American Family Field and Tropicana Field, as this series might be the first to be played entirely indoors. The impact of a ball striking one of these roofs, or their supporting structures at Tropicana Field, could affect the outcomes of games.

Game 1 of the World Series, presented by Capital One, is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX Deportes/FOX One. With temperatures expected to be around 60 degrees for the first pitches of Games 1 and 2 in Milwaukee, the roof will likely be closed. When the series shifts to Tampa Bay for Games 3 and 4, and potentially Game 5, the roof will remain closed, as there is no option for it to be open.

This season, the Brewers celebrated the presence of their roof after a dramatic Game 1 of the NLDS against the Padres. In an unusual ending, the Brewers triumphed 3-2 after Ty France's potential go-ahead home run hit a roof cable or support, landing in Jackson Chourio’s glove for the second out in the ninth inning. There was debate about where the ball might have fallen had it not been obstructed, although Brewers manager Pat Murphy and third baseman Joey Ortiz both believed it was headed foul. The Padres, however, questioned the ruling.

The ground rules concerning the roof, outlined in the Milwaukee media guide, indicate that if a ball strikes the roof over fair territory and is caught, the batter is out and runners advance at their own risk. Conversely, if a ball hits the roof over foul territory, it’s a dead ball. The ruling stood despite a San Diego challenge.

Brewers third-base coach Matt Erickson noted the roof's significance as an advantage, predicting the unique situation even before the game. Instances of balls hitting the roof and affecting play are rare, with notable occurrences including a catch by Brewers third baseman Craig Counsell in the 2008 NLDS and one in April 2018 involving Eric Sogard.

In Tampa Bay, Tropicana Field presents its own challenges. The roof repair following Hurricane Milton two years ago necessitated home games to be played elsewhere for a season. The catwalks in the stadium can complicate plays, with specific rules governing how balls interact with them.

The Rays’ media guide reported that 200 fair balls had hit these catwalks before the 2026 season, impacting play in the postseason as well. Additionally, MLB guidelines dictate that roof decisions during postseason games rest with the Commissioner in consultation with the home club. If the roof remains closed for all Milwaukee games, this World Series will mark a first in baseball history for being played entirely indoors.