Expert: Ed Spindler - 5/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: What is correct call for a ball that rolls foul up first base line, but drifts fair OVER first base.  I think its a fair ball.

ANSWER: correct you are...it is a fair ball

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Another foul ball related question.
Batter hits the ball down the 3rd base line.  The ball hits the line and travels into fair territory.  The 3rd baseman catches the ball in front of 3rd base and before the ball hits the ground in foul territory.  This is a fair ball, correct?

Answer
in your play it is probably a fair ball...fair or foul on a batted ball before reaching 1st or 3rd base is determined by whether the ball was fair or foul when it was first touched...

most fans don't realize that if the 3rd baseman TOUCHED the ball when it was in foul territory, it glances off his glove and goes into fair territory it is still a fould ball...

it is where the ball is(fair or foul) when it is first touched...

hope that helps clear it up