Fair vs. Foul Ball: Understanding Hits Down the Line
Question
Can you help me clarify a fair/foulball hit down the line? Is it fair if a hit ball travels in fair territory to first base then curves foul? What if an outfielder tries to catch the ball in foul territory?
Answer
Hi randy,
a ball "in flight" is fair or foul based on where the ball is when 1st touched by a defensive player or where it 1st lands past 1st or 3rd.
if the ball is in fair territory when 1st touched or lands in fair territory past 1st or 3rd, it is a fair ball
likewise the same for foul
it makes no difference what the flight path was.
mark
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