Why do we do that?

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by FVB_Ryan
My mind started wandering (while still being able to concentrate...i can do that....some times :-) ) after making a call the other night. A ball was hit high in the air to left field. I'm PU, watching for fair/foul, cuz it can go either way. Left fielder comes on, and makes an easy catch. I signal fair, then out. But then I got to wondering, why do we need to signal fair/foul if its caught in flight? Does fair or foul really even make a difference at that point? Once out, the runner can tag whether fair or foul. I have a feeling that someone is going to post a VERY logical explanation, and I'm gonna feel like a fool for asking such a stupid question, but I'm up for it tonight.

IF it becomes caught, then it doesn't matter (except for scoring).

But, it's not caught as soon as it's touched -- so it might become dropped. If it does, then the fair / foul determination will become very important -- and it's better to make that call as soon as fair / foul is determined rather than later. THe ball will almost always be in foul territory by the time it's dropped, so it looks kind of strange (read: you'll get questioned) if you point it fair at that time.