Foul Ball Rules: Grounders and Uncaught Balls Explained

Question
When a ball is hit and is fair as it passes the first or third base, but then rolls out of bounds, is that considered a fair or foul ball?

Answer
Hi Niki,

Thank you for your question.  I'm pretty sure the batted ball in your scenario is a grounder, but do you mind if I give you the answer for an uncaught fly ball/line drive that rolls out of bounds, too, just in case I'm wrong?

1) When a batted ground ball hits or passes (over, above) first or third base, then it is a FAIR ball.  It CAN'T become a foul ball after that very instant, even if it rolls into foul territory and/or dead ball territory/out of play.  FYI, out of bounds is football, basketball, etc. jargon.  Foul territory and dead ball territory/out of play are softball jargon.

2) When a fly ball/line drive passes (over, above) first or third base, then it is neither a fair ball nor a foul ball at that very instant.  It depends on where the ball first lands, first touches a defender, or is first touched by a defender.  In fair territory: fair ball.  In foul or dead ball territory/out of play: foul ball.

Scott Kelly