What is a Foul Ball in Baseball?
In baseball, a foul ball is a ball that is hit outside the designated strike zone. A foul ball is generally called a strike, but if a player hits the ball with two strikes, it is counted as an out. A foul ball is often misunderstood by casual baseball fans. It is not simply a ball that goes out of play.
Basic Rules of Foul Balls
A foul ball is a batted ball that does not land in fair territory, or does not stay within the foul lines. It is important to note that a foul ball does not have to travel far to be considered a foul ball. A batted ball that lands in the dugout or beyond either foul pole is considered a foul ball.
What Happens When a Foul Ball is Hit?
When a foul ball is hit, the batter is not awarded a base. However, if a batter hits a foul ball with two strikes, they are automatically out. Additionally, if a foul ball is caught by a fielder, the batter is out, regardless of the strike count.
What is a Foul Tip?
A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s glove and is deemed a foul ball. A foul tip is considered a strike if it is the first or second strike, but it is not an out. If the foul tip is the third strike, the batter is out.
What is a Foul Bunt?
A foul bunt is a bunt that is hit foul. A foul bunt is treated like any other foul ball, and is considered a strike if it is the first or second strike. If the foul bunt is the third strike, the batter is out.
What is a Foul Fly Ball?
A foul fly ball is a ball that is hit in the air and lands in foul territory. A foul fly ball is considered an out if it is caught by a fielder, regardless of the strike count. If the foul fly ball is not caught, the batter is awarded a strike if it is the first or second strike, but is not out.
What is a Foul Ball Strike?
A foul ball strike is a strike called on a ball that is hit outside the strike zone. This can occur on any pitch, but is most common on pitches that are low and away from the batter. A foul ball strike is counted as a strike, and if the batter has two strikes, it is counted as an out.
What is a Foul Ball Called on a Batter?
A foul ball called on a batter is a strike called when a batter swings at a pitch outside the strike zone and makes contact with the ball. This is a judgement call made by the umpire and is not reviewable. A foul ball called on a batter is counted as a strike.
What is a Foul Ball Called on the Catcher?
A foul ball called on the catcher is a strike called when the catcher does not catch a pitch that was within the strike zone. This is also a judgement call made by the umpire and is not reviewable. A foul ball called on the catcher is counted as a strike.
Conclusion
The foul ball rule in baseball is an important one to understand. A foul ball is not simply a ball that goes out of play. It is a ball that is hit outside the designated strike zone. When a foul ball is hit, the batter is not awarded a base, but if it is the third strike, the batter is out. Additionally, a foul bunt, foul tip, or foul fly ball are all considered strikes if they are the first or second strike, but are not out. Finally, a foul ball called on a batter or catcher is also counted as a strike.