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Baseball Trivia (General)/Why foul line and pole?

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Expert: - 6/20/2007


Question

>1) Why is it called the foul pole when it is inside the field of play at many stadiums? Shouldn't it be called the fair pole? Same for the foul line. A ball hitting the foul line is considered a fair ball. Shouldn't it be called the fair line?

Answer
Bob,

 Language usage doesn't always follow logic. Though some would agree with you, the game as always had a foul pole and foul lines. Other people would argue that your usage would be wrong. Over the course of long tradition, the current understandings are what has evolved.

Baseball Trivia (General)

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Tom Schott

Expertise

I will deal with the major leagues only from 19th century to present. I`m good on baseball history, records, statistics, ballparks. I don't do off-the-field stuff. Please if you already know the answer to the question, please don't ask it. I don't want to play "stump the expert."

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I've written on the subject, and I have substantial library of resources.

Organizations
SABR

Publications
Numerous encyclopedia, newspaper, magazine articles. One book, several book chapters.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in American history.

Awards and Honors
Bevy of writing awards.

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