The Definitive Guide to the Foul Ball: A Necessary Breakdown

If you’ve spent any time around a baseball or softball field, you’ve probably heard someone yell, “That’s a foul ball!” But what does that actually mean? When is a ball foul, when is it fair, and when does a foul ball still matter? Umpires, players, and fans alike sometimes get these calls wrong, and it tends to cause a lot of arguments. Let’s break this down.

When is a Ball a Foul?

A foul ball occurs when a batted ball settles on foul territory between home plate and first or third base, or if it FIRST touches foul territory beyond first or third before being touched by a defensive player. It’s also a foul if it lands in foul territory past first or third base without touching anything first.

A batted ball is also considered foul if it:

• Touches the ground in foul territory between home plate and first or third base and never rolls back into fair territory. This could be a fly ball, ground ball, bunt, or line drive.
• A fielder touches the ball in foul territory, whether it’s caught or bobbled.
• Hits an object foreign to the natural ground, like the foul pole, a fence, or the dugout.
• Touches the person of an umpire while in foul territory (if it happens while the umpire is in fair territory, it’s a live ball).
• Bounds past first or third base in foul territory without touching the base or bouncing overtop.

Where is Foul Territory?

Foul territory is the area outside the foul lines, which extend from home plate past first and third base into the outfield. Anything beyond these lines is foul territory. The lines themselves are considered to be fair territory.

When is a Foul Ball a Strike?

A foul ball is counted as a strike when the batter hits the ball with fewer than two strikes. However, once the batter has two strikes, a foul ball does not count as a strike unless it is a foul tip caught by the catcher’s hands before hitting the ground, in which case the batter is out.

When Does a Foul Ball Become Live?

A foul ball can still be in play! If a fielder catches a foul ball in the air (before it touches the ground) and there are less than two outs, the batter is out, and the ball is live. Runners may tag up and advance at their own risk.

Also, if a ball lands foul but rolls fair BEFORE passing the first or third base bags, it is fair again. If any part of the ball is touching the foul line, it is considered to be in fair territory.

When Can a Foul Ball Be Caught for an Out?

A foul ball can be caught for an out if:

• A fielder catches it before it touches the ground.
• The fielder is in foul territory but still makes the catch.
• The ball does not touch the ground or any object foreign to the natural ground first.

A foul ball is also an out when it is the result of a bunt with two strikes. If a player already has two strikes and bunts, and the bunt results in a foul ball, they are out automatically.

Can a Foul Ball Roll Back Fair?

Yes! A batted ball that first lands in foul territory between home and first or third base can roll back into fair territory before it passes first or third base and be ruled fair. However, if it settles on foul territory, it is officially a foul ball.

Can a Foul Ball Be an Error?

Yes, a foul ball can be considered an error if the fielder misplays the ball and it extends the at-bat. So, if a third baseman is able to get underneath a foul ball easily, it touches his glove, and hits the ground, the official scorekeeper can rule it as an error if their judgment is that the ball should have been an easy, routine out.

Foul Balls in the Batter’s Box

One of the most straightforward foul ball rules is that if a batted ball hits the batter while they are still in the batter’s box, it is automatically a foul ball. It is a dead ball, and runners cannot advance. This is different from a ball that strikes the bat and then the batter while they are out of the batter’s box, which would be considered an out.

Also, if a ball stops or is fielded within the batter’s box, the box may be considered either foul or fair territory. The foul lines converge at the back of home plate. If the ball stays or is fielded in the box in front of where those lines would dissect the box, then the ball is fair. If it’s behind those lines, it’s foul. This is a hard call for a home plate umpire to make and often requires additional help from the field ump.

I can tell you firsthand how frustrating it is to have a catcher stare at a ball in the box and not do anything about it. It happened at one of my softball tournaments and the batter was called safe. I hate this rule, and to be honest, most inexperienced umpires don’t understand it. So, when it doubt, just make the play.

The Most Misunderstood Rule in Baseball and Softball

Here’s where umpires (and even some coaches) frequently mess up:

If a ball hits the infield in fair territory and then rolls or bounces foul before it passes first or third base, it is a foul ball—no exceptions (except if a fielder touches it first). It does not matter where the ball initially lands; what matters is where it settles before passing first base or third base. The same applies if the first baseman, third baseman, catcher, or pitcher touches the ball in foul territory. It cannot be considered fair. However, the BALL must be in foul territory for this to be true, not the fielder.

However, if a ball first touches the ground before passing the first or third base bag but travels over any part of the bag, it is a fair ball, no matter where it lands after. A ball that is ruled fair at first remains live even if it later rolls foul. This is a hard one for umpires to judge, and they often need to work together to make this call.

Final Thoughts on Foul Balls in Baseball and Softball

Understanding the foul ball rule can be tricky, but it’s crucial for players, coaches, and especially umpires. Whether you’re watching Major League Baseball, coaching Little League, or arguing with a buddy over a beer, you now have the definitive breakdown of the foul ball rule.

Now, go enjoy the game—just don’t be that guy yelling about a call without knowing the rules!