foul ter*ri*to*ry
What Is The Definition Of Foul Territory In Baseball?
1. This is the area on a baseball that is outside the foul lines and behind home plate.
The amount of foul territory varies from ballpark to ballpark. This area extends from home plate and down to the foul poles in the outfield on each side of the field. On the third base side, the foul territory extends from the foul line to the stands. Similarly, on the first base side it extends from the foul line and to the stands.
Any ball hit into foul territory that has yet to hit the ground is still considered to be in-play. If the pop fly is caught, then it is a foul out. If a ball is hit on the ground in foul territory, then it is simply a foul ball and the batter is allowed to resume their at-bat. However, if a batter fouls off a bunt with two-strikes, then the batter is out.
There is no foul line beyond the outfield fence in fair territory. Any ball hit over the fence is a home run.
Example Of How Foul Territory Is Used In Commentary
1. Chapman has a long way to run in foul territory before making that acrobatic catch for the out.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Baseball
2. Softball