AboutMartin Hoover Expertise Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.
Experience Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire
Organizations Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors. I'm also the Information Officer for California District 49, as well as an umpire consultant for the district.
Education/Credentials Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics
Awards and Honors Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)
Question If the 1st baseman is holding a runner on 1st base, is he considered to be in fair territory if he has one foot in foul territory? Or does he have to have BOTH feet in fair territory to be considered "in fair territory"?
Answer Martin,
If that one foot is completely outside of fair territory, the player is not considered to be in fair territory. We judge it to where his foot is, and it must be completely outside of fair territory.
Remember that this applies to when the ball is put in play(4.03). Some umpires will give leeway to the fielder if they are trying to make an attempt to stay in fair territory. However, according to the rules, both feet must remain in fair territory.
