What is a foul ball?

• A. A ball that lands in fair territory
• B. A batted ball that lands in foul territory or is outside the foul lines
• C. A ball hit into the stands
• D. A ball that lands on the outfield grass

Answer: (B)

A foul ball is defined by where the batted ball goes relative to the foul lines. It’s a batted ball that first touches or remains in foul territory, or goes outside the foul lines. That’s exactly what option describes.

If the ball lands in fair territory (between the lines) or goes over the fence for a home run, it’s a fair ball or home run, not foul. A ball into the stands can be foul or live depending on its path and where it lands, but the clean rule being tested is that a foul ball is a batted ball that lands in foul territory or outside the lines.