Expert: Matt Smith - 6/16/2008

Question
I'm hoping you can clarify a question regarding a foul ball. If a batter hits a ball into foul territory (before third of first base) & the ball spins back into the playing field is it considered a foul or fair ball? I realize that if a ball starts out in the playing field before 1st or 3rd & then rolls into foul grounds & back to fair that it's considered fair. Keep in mind that the ball never hit the playing field & that it's initial contact was with the ground in foul territory before 1st & 3rd base. My thinking it that if the ball was never in the playing field to begin it should automatically be a foul ball. Looking forward to hearing your answer.
Cheers,
David

Answer
Hi David-

      You are correct. If the ball hits in foul territory first, regardless of the spin it has after the initial contact with the playing field, it is a foul ball. There is no way around this, it all depends on the intial contact with the field. thanks for your question. Hope this helps.

    Matt.