Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/4/2007

Question
Is it a balk if the first baseman has one foot in foul territory prior to the play? Your answer to a previous question (below) sort of answers it, but what constitutes in play prior to the play? Both feet in, one in and one out, feet strattling foul line?

All fielders (other then the catcher) must start play in fair territory.

If they do not start the play in fair territory, then the penalty is a balk.

If the first baseman is in fair territory, then moves into foul territory to catch the ball, then there is no penalty.


Answer
Jim,

The ball is live as soon as the pitcher starts throwing, so the first baseman (or any other fielder for that matter) can move into foul territory as soon as the pitcher delivers the pitch toward home.

All fielders must be completely in fair territory prior to the play (except for the catcher who must be in their box).

Hope this helps!

Brian