Foul Tip Definition

[JoeT]

In the NF softball rules (SP), it states that a foul tip "goes directly and speedily from the bat to the catcher's hand or mitt not higher than the batter's head."

My question:

Does the ball HAVE to go higher than the batter's head in order to be caught for an out?

Thanks in advance!

[Jim Porter]

JoeT,

Your question is a little vague. I'm not sure if you want to know about FED softball or baseball.

Since this is a baseball board I will assume you meant to ask about baseball and answer your question from that angle.

In the Official Baseball Rules a foul-tip is only a foul-tip if it goes sharply and directly (a judgment call) from the batter's bat to the catcher's hand or glove and then is legally caught by the catcher.

Any other batted ball legally caught by the catcher is an out regardless of whether it goes above the catcher's head or not.

One notable difference in National Federation of High School's (FED) rules is that a foul-tip must go directly from the bat to the hand or glove and then be legally caught by any fielder. The inclusion of any fielder is only allowed in FED baseball. (In fact, FED softball only allows the catcher to legally catch a foul-tip)

In the Official Baseball Rules (and NCAA rules, I think) if a ball goes sharply and directly to the catcher's hand or glove and then is caught by a fielder other than a catcher it is simply a foul ball (for example, if the possible foul-tip were to carom off the catcher's mask or leg guard and then be caught by the pitcher - - that's just a foul ball - - it must be caught by the catcher).

I hope this answers your question.

Sincerely,
Jim Porter

[This message has been edited by Jim Porter (edited August 10, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Jim Porter (edited August 10, 2000).]