Fair ball
In
baseball, a
fair ball is a batted ball that has not yet become a
foul ball, and that...
- settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or\n* is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or\n* touches first, second, or third base, or\n* touches the person of an umpire or player while the ball is on or over fair ground, or\n* passes out of the playing field in flight while over fair ground.
It is possible for a ball moving in foul territory to become a fair ball. Batted balls can also be
foul balls or
foul tips.
On a fair ball, the ball is alive; runners may attempt to advance and fielders may try to record
outs. A batted ball is presumed to be fair until it is ruled a foul ball or a foul tip.