What is the ruling??

[Dodgerfan1]

I'm using this thread since I didn't find one specifically regarding rules.

This should be a very simple question; one I would think isn't open to too much interpretation. I've never really been clear on the fair/foul ruling of balls that pass over first or third base on a fly. I know that a ground ball that ends up in foul territory is ruled a fair ball so long as it was fair when it passed over the first or third base bags, but that ruling must only be applicable to ground balls, because I've seen line drives that clearly pass first or third base in fair territory only to curve and land in foul territory called foul balls.

Actually, now that I think about it, it's probably very obvious, because I can picture a long fly ball that passes either bag in fair territory but lands in the left or right field bleachers in foul territory. That certainly would NOT be ruled a home run, so I will assume I am correct in thinking this only applies to ground balls.

[Chris O'Leary]

I know that a ground ball that ends up in foul territory is ruled a fair ball so long as it was fair when it passed over the first or third base bags, but that ruling must only be applicable to ground balls, because I've seen line drives that clearly pass first or third base in fair territory only to curve and land in foul territory called foul balls.

You are correct.

The rule only applies to ground balls, which are balls that contact the ground inside the 1B or 3B bags.

[CoachMJ]

You are correct.

The rule only applies to ground balls, which are balls that contact the ground inside the 1B or 3B bags.


exact-a-mundo.

ask a silly question get a silly answer.

[jbooth]

I'm using this thread since I didn't find one specifically regarding rules.

This should be a very simple question; one I would think isn't open to too much interpretation. I've never really been clear on the fair/foul ruling of balls that pass over first or third base on a fly. I know that a ground ball that ends up in foul territory is ruled a fair ball so long as it was fair when it passed over the first or third base bags, but that ruling must only be applicable to ground balls, because I've seen line drives that clearly pass first or third base in fair territory only to curve and land in foul territory called foul balls.

Actually, now that I think about it, it's probably very obvious, because I can picture a long fly ball that passes either bag in fair territory but lands in the left or right field bleachers in foul territory. That certainly would NOT be ruled a home run, so I will assume I am correct in thinking this only applies to ground balls.

There are two categories of fair/foul judgments.

1. Balls that come off the bat and first touch the ground within the infield (before the ball passes first or third)

2. Balls that come off the bat and first touch the ground (or a fielder), in the outfield, beyond first or third base.

The category "2" type are easy. The ball is fair if it touches the ground in fair territory, or is over/above fair territory when a fielder touches it.

The category "1" type is more complex. The umpire does not rule the ball fair or foul until it stops, is touched by a fielder, or bounds beyond first or third base. If the ball stops or is touched while it is on or over fair territory, before passing first or third, it is fair. It may zig-zag back and forth from fair to foul an unlimited number of times, but it is not judged until it stops, is touched, or goes beyond first or third. If it bounds over the base it is fair regardless of whether it lands foul after it passes the base. (This only applies to balls that hit the ground before the base, first.)

In both types, the position of the fielder's feet or body are irrelevant. The ball is judged to be fair or foul based upon its relationship to the ground when it touches the fielder. Where the fielder or his feet are, is irrelevant. The fielder could have both feet in fair territory, but if his glove or hand touch the ball while the ball is directly above or on foul ground, the ball is FOUL, and the reverse is true, he could be standing on foul ground and touch the ball while the ball is over fair ground, and the ball is ruled FAIR. If he has one foot on fair ground, and one foot on foul ground, the ball is ruled base upon where the ball is when it is touched, not where the fielder or his feet are.

for info on the rules, see my website at http://baseball-rules.com

[Jake Patterson]

I have Jim's book - very well done and easy to understand.
Jake