AboutTom Schott Expertise I will deal with the major leagues only from 19th century to present. I`m good on baseball history, records, statistics, ballparks. Try to stick to on-the-field stuff. I`m not interested in personal off-the-field stuff like spouses, girl friends, drug habits, salaries, mascots, etc. If you already know the answer to the question, please don't ask it. I don't want to play "stump the expert."
Experience I've written on the subject, and I have substantial library of resources.
Publications Numerous encyclopedia, newspaper, magazine articles. One book, several book chapters.
>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.
