Fair ball facts for kids

In baseball, a fair ball is a batted ball that gives the batter to attempt to reach first base. In order for a batted ball to be fair, it must be hit in such a way that it:

• settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base; or
• is on or over fair territory when bounding past first or third base; or
• touches first, second, or third base, which are all in fair territory; or
• touches the body of an umpire or player while the ball is on or over fair territory (unless it touches the batter in the batter's box, or bounces off the ground and immediately hits the bat); or
• passes out of the playing field in flight while over fair territory, or touches any part of the foul pole, including any attached screen, while in flight; or
• strikes any object for which the ballpark specifies that a batted ball which strikes it is a fair ball (e.g., a roof if present)