Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/17/2008

Question
At our last game a batter hit the ball and it struck the ground directly behind home plate(not the plate) then slowly rolled thew the batters box and stopped on the third base chalk line. The umpire did not stop the play as he would a foul ball. The runner advanced and was called safe at first. I asked for an explanation and was told that the ball can hit anywhere in foul territory and roll fair as long as it is not touched, is this true?

Answer
Jesse,

Yes - the umpire got it right.  Until the ball reaches 1st or 3rd base, it is ruled foul based on where it ends up (unless it deflects off of something).

There have been times I've seen a bunt goes down the line - foul then fair then foul.  Depends on the quality of the field, but it is ruled based on where it ends up or where it is when touched by a fielder.

Hope this helps!

Brian