re: "It depends on if the third baseman was in front of the bag or behind it."
Absolutely!!!
But, if F5 is in front of the base then it is easier to make the decision if you just focus primarily on the ball and the line.
If the ball is over fair territory when it touches F5's leg then it is a fair ball. Since, a portion of F5's leg might be in fair territory.
A FAIR BALL / FOUL BALL
(Foul Ball included for explanatory purposes.)
is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or over fair territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight.
A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he touches the ball.
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"Enjoy the moment....."
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