Fair or foul
A batted ball is judged by where it is when it is touched or when it stops — not where the fielder is standing. The foul lines and foul poles are fair territory, and a ball that comes to rest or is first touched beyond first or third base is judged by where it is at that moment.
- The line itself is fair. Clipping the chalk means fair ball.
- Before first/third base: wherever the ball is when touched or when it stops decides.
- Beyond the bags: a ball that lands in the outfield is judged where it first touches the ground.
- Off the foul pole is a home run — the pole is in fair territory.
- Fielder's position is irrelevant; only the ball's position matters.
Third baseman fields a ball with both feet in foul territory while the ball is over the line.
Ruling · Fair ball. The fielder's feet never matter — the ball was over fair ground when touched.
Slow roller spins toward the line and stops on the chalk before reaching the bag.
Ruling · Fair. It stopped on the line before passing the base, and the line is fair territory.
Fair-or-foul decides whether a ball in play is a hit, an out, or just a strike — the most basic ruling in the sport and a frequent replay trigger.
Reference note: one or more section citations on this page are being verified against the current official rulebook edition. The explanation reflects the rule as played; confirm the exact subsection in the official text.