Fair or Foul Ball: Understanding Baseball Rules

Question
A ball is hit down the third base line in the air and is fair as it flys over third base but then lands foul outside of left field.  Is it a fair ball?  I always thought it was determined fair or foul by where the ball was as it traveled over third base.

Answer
Sheila,

It depends on where the ball hits the ground first off the bat.

1)  If the ball hits the ground before reaching the base, then it is fair or foul depending on its position at the base.  So, bouncer to third, if it curves foul before reaching the base it is a foul ball, otherwise fair.

2)  If a ball is hit in the air past the base, then its fair or foul status is determined by where it first hits.  So, if it lands foul, it is foul.  It doesn't matter where it was when it passes third.

Hope this helps!

Brian