Player A is in the field at the position of 3rd base. While trying to hold a runner on he places one foot in play and one foot out of play. The batter rips a line drive down the 3rd base line. With one foot out of play the 3rd baseman reaches into fair territory and the ball tips off his glove. Is this a foul ball even though it was clearly hit into fair territory? does the one foot that is in foul ground negate a obviously fair ball? or is it a fair ball?

The determination of wether it is a Foul or Fair ball is based upon the position of the BALL when touched. Not the position of the players feet.

The position of the ball relative to the foul/fair lines when it is touched will determine if a batted ball is fair/foul. A defensive player, at the crack of he bat, jumps accross the 3rd base line, thinking the ball was hit in that direction. While his entire body is in foul territory, he lunges toward the ball and touches it with the tip of his mitt while the ball is OVER FAIR territory - you've got a "fair" ball.

Note also, the PU could choose to enforce the rules and not put the ball into play until F5 has both feet in fair territory.

M

And just for clarity's sake, the converse is true. 3B standing fully in fair territory reaches out his right hand across the foul line to touch a ball - the ball is foul. Don't worry about the position of the player - it's irrelevant in all cases.

Note also, the PU could choose to enforce the rules and not put the ball into play until F5 has both feet in fair territory.

For what?? Not allowing the 3rd baseman to hold a runner with one foot in foul territory? I want to see you do this. Call me, I want to be there.

If the game was played under OBR, and the opposing manager complained, then forcing F5 (and F3) to be entirely (both feet) in fair territory is the correct call.

Where does it say "both feet" in OBR. I can't find that.

It doesn't. But, that's the interp.

Here you go, see first line.

OBR

4.03
When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory. (a) The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He may leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a play except that when the batter is being given an intentional base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. PENALTY: Balk. (b) The pitcher, while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter, shall take his legal position; (c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station himself anywhere in fair territory; (d) Except the batter, or a runner attempting to score, no offensive player shall cross the catcher's lines when the ball is in play.

M

It just says "on fair territory", it does not say "with both feet". So, I did a little research with my 2004 BRD.

OFF INTERP 154-237 PBUC MANUAL A player is in fair territory only when he has both feet in fair territory.

AO 17-237 EVANS: In the major leagues the first baseman isnot required to have both feet in fair territory.

OFF INTERP 155-237 PBUC MANUAL Umpires should not insist a fielder have both feet in fair territory unless one team complains, but thereafter the umpire will require fielders to have both feet in fair ground.

Even better material - Thanks!

M