Determining whether a baseball is fair or foul would seem to be a relatively simple thing. If the ball is outside the first or third baseline, the ball is foul. If the ball is inside the line it is fair. If the ball starts off in fair territory, and it goes foul, or the opposite happens, the determination may not be quite so simple.
Ground Balls
If a ground ball is hit down either foul line and it is on the foul line or inside it when it crosses first or third base, it is a fair ball. If the ball rolls foul after it crosses the line, it remains a fair ball. If the ball was foul but rolls into fair territory before it passes either base, then it is a fair ball. If the ground ball crosses the base in foul territory and then rolls fair, it is a foul ball.
Line Drives
A line drive will be judged to be fair or foul based on where it lands. The ball may be fair when it crosses either base but if it lands in foul territory, the ball is foul. The line drive may appear to be in foul territory throughout its flight, but if it ends up landing in fair territory, it is a fair ball.
Foul Pole
The foul pole determines whether a ball hit over the fence is fair or foul. A fly ball that hits the foul pole is fair. The umpire will raise his forefinger overt his head and make a continuous circle with it to indicate that it was a home run. If the ball is hit outside the foul pole, the ball is ruled a foul ball. If the ball hits the wire mesh attached to the inside of the foul pole, it is a home run.
Instant Replay
Umpires may use instant replay to determine fair or foul calls on home runs. While the foul pole is large and distinctive, it can be difficult to tell if a ball is hit to the inside or the outside of the pole. If the umpires have any question about whether the ball is fair or foul, they can go to a television replay monitor in the umpires' dressing room to make a final determination.
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