No, a fly ball is not considered fair if it is touched by a fielder while the ball itself is in foul territory.
Understanding Fair and Foul Territory in Baseball
In baseball, the playing field is clearly divided into fair and foul territory by the foul lines. These lines extend from home plate through first and third bases all the way to the outfield fences.
- Fair Territory: Encompasses all the area within the foul lines, including the lines themselves.
- Foul Territory: Includes all the area outside the foul lines.
The Decisive Factor: Ball Location at First Contact
The rule regarding a batted ball's fair or foul status is precise and often misunderstood. The critical point is where the ball is located at the exact moment it is first touched by a fielder, not where the fielder's feet are positioned.
According to baseball rules, any batted ball that first contacts a fielder while the ball is in foul territory is immediately considered a foul ball. This applies regardless of whether the fielder making the contact is standing in fair or foul territory.
Practical Scenarios for Fly Balls
To clarify this rule, consider the following situations involving a fly ball:
| Scenario Description | Ball's Location at First Contact | Fielder's Location at First Contact | Resulting Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fielder reaches into foul territory to catch a fly ball | Foul Territory | Fair or Foul Territory | Foul Ball |
| Fielder, standing in foul territory, reaches into fair territory for a fly ball | Fair Territory | Foul Territory | Fair Ball |
Example:
Imagine a first baseman sprinting towards the dugout trying to make a play on a high pop-up. If the ball is still hovering over foul ground when the first baseman makes contact with it, the ball is immediately ruled foul, even if the fielder might have one foot touching the foul line or momentarily stepped into fair territory before touching the ball. Conversely, if a fielder is standing entirely in foul territory but reaches out and touches a ball that is clearly over fair territory, that is a fair ball.
The key takeaway is that the ball's position relative to the foul lines at the point of first contact determines its fair or foul status.
For further clarification on baseball rules, you can consult official glossaries and rulebooks.
