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Baseball Instruction/Fair ball rule
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Question
During a recent MLB game, the first baseman fielded a ball that landed on the line in front of first base and he fielded the ball with his feet in fair territory but the ball was outside the line but never landed foul. He then touched first base and the hitter was called out. Does this appear to be the correct call?
In my game a short time ago I had this same play happen. I went and read the rule because the umpire called it a foul ball. I thought he made the wrong call. The rule states that if the ball hits in fair ground before passing first base, it doesn't matter where the fielder is, if the ball is over the line and has not hit the ground yet it is still a foul ball. Even if the fielder is standing in fair ground. So they got the call wrong in the MLB.
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Answers by Expert:
Willie Ansley Jr.
Expertise
I can answer all questions on baseball instruction from hitting to baserunning,pitching and defense.I can also deal with the mental side of the game. After all baseball is 90% mental.
Experience
I was the Houston Astros #1 pick in 1988.I have been doing private instruction and coaching select baseball in the Houston,Tx. area since 1996.
Past/Present clients
I have worked with such players as Carl Crawford(while at Jeff Davis High)first pick in second round of the 2000 MLB draft.Also Vince Blue(Lamarr High) a 10th round selection.John Hale(Lamarr High) committed to Rice Univ.Eric Iland(Lamarr High) a top prospect in the 2007 MLB draft.
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