If the foul ball is caught, it is considered an out. The batter is out if any member of the fielding team collects a foul ball before it reaches the ground or lands outside the field perimeter. The caught ball, however, is in play, and base runners may attempt to advance. If a base runner attempts to advance while a foul ball is in flight, a fielder may not chase it unless the player has reached first base or third base and is returning to their position.
The ball is in play even if it is hit into the stands. In that case, you will need to return it to the field. A fan who returns a ball to the playing area after it has been hit into the stands may be awarded a prize by the league office.
Only one foul ball per person is allowed at any time during a game. Any other way of catching foul balls (such as using gloves) is illegal. Illegal methods include: throwing down a baseball, batting at a ball thrown from the pitcher's hand, and catching/snatching balls from fans. These actions may result in sanctions, including suspension or ejection from the game.
Catching balls in no-land man's If a player receives a foul ball other than a foul tip, the batter is out, but the runners may tag up and try to advance, much as if a fielder catches a ball in fair zone. A foul tip, on the other hand, is considered as if it were a swinging strike rather than a ball caught in foul zone. With a foul tip, the batter gets to take another swing at the ball.
If a player catches a ball outside of the playing field, that player must either return the ball to the game or declare it lost. He cannot keep the ball. To avoid being out, a player need only not get his feet off the ground; he does not have to touch the ball with his hands or body.
In conclusion, if a player catches a ball out of bounds, he can attempt to advance any base he chooses. However, if he fails to reach all three bases, then he has failed to score and the batting team will not get a run for his error.
Although it is odd, if an outfielder leaps the fence and THEN catches the ball, it is a homerun, not an out. Similarly, if a fielder leaps the fence rather than leaning over it and then catches the ball, it is not an out; it is simply a foul ball. In fact, according to MLB rules, "if a ball strikes any object other than the pitcher's plate, the strike zone includes all objects on the field." Thus, if an outfielder jumps the fence to make a catch, even if he does not touch the ground with his hands or body, this is considered part of his uniformity area and allows him to reach back for the ball.
Here are some additional facts about foul balls:
Foul balls are rare but not impossible to catch. It depends on how high you can jump...
In addition to being hard to catch, foul balls also are dangerous because they can hit you in the head. You should take every precaution when playing baseball. Always wear a hat when you go to bat or pitch. Even better, wear protective gear such as a helmet.
It is important to know that while it is legal for outfielders to leap the fence to make a catch, doing so is extremely risky because you could be injured by landing on the hard surface. If this happens, you might need medical attention.
A fly ball hit in foul area is in play and can be caught for an out; baserunners can advance as they would on any other fly ball out. If it hits the ground, it is considered a foul ball, and runners are unable to advance. A foul ball that misses the field by less than its width may be caught by anyone within the boundary lines.
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