Expert: Martin Hoover - 6/15/2007

Question
I have coached for many years. In several different leagues and it always seems that this rule changes all the time.  what is the offical rule on the catcher catching a foul tip does it have to be above the catchers head?

Answer
Don,
First let's look at the definition of a "Foul Ball".

Rule 2.00- FOUL BALL:
Is a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home and first base, or home and third base, or that bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third base, or that while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground.

Okay, so now that we know what a Foul Ball is, we can say that if a ball is hit in such a way, it cannot be a Foul Tip, but rather a foul ball.  So now let's look at the definition of a "Foul Tip".  I have caps words of importance.

Rule 2.00- FOUL TIP:
Is a batted ball that goes SHARP AND DIRECT from THE BAT to the CATCHER'S HANDS and is LEGALLY CAUGHT.  It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play.  It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher's glove or hand.

So, if a ball is hit from the bat that arcs above the catcher's head, is it a foul tip?  No, because it was not SHARP AND DIRECT.

I hope this has helped answer your question.  Should you have any more, please feel free to ask.

-Martin Hoover