Foul Ball? or?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Speaking ASA

Where does it hit the BR? If on part of the body still in the box, foul ball. If on part of the body out of the box, INT.

I used to interpret that way, too; that the issue should be the location of the ball when and where the touching occurs, same as fair versus foul, and in the running lane versus out of the running lane. Seemed the intent of the rule, and consistent.

Then, someone pointed out that the actual wording of the definition of a foul ball (F) states "Touches the batter ... while the batter is within the batter's box." With that language, it seems to make the position of the ball or the touching moot. After all, wouldn't a rule intending to say what you and I believe it to mean say "touches the batter .... while the ball is located in or over the batter's box"?