There seems to be an increase in the question from coaches & spectators regarding foul tip vs. foul ball. Much of the confusion comes from the play-by-play people on MLB games using the terms incorrectly. The definitions are in the rule book, but we will list them here (emphasis added): Rule 2 Playing Terms and Definitions SECTION 16 FOUL, FOUL TIP ART. 1 . . . A foul is a batted ball: a. which settles on foul territory between home and first base or between home and third base; or b. that bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory; or c. that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third base; or d. that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or a player or any object foreign to the natural ground; or e. that touches the ground after inadvertently being declared foul by an umpire. f. that hits the batter in the batter's box; or g. that hits the ground or home plate and then hits the batter or the bat which is held by the batter, while he is in the batter's box. ART. 2 . . . A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught by the catcher. It is a strike and the ball is in play. The last sentence in Foul Tip is key: "It is a strike and the ball is in play." This means the ball is LIVE!! Runners can advance at their own risk, other plays can happen, etc. Mechanics: For a Foul Tip: 1. Come up to a standing set. 2. Place your left arm out in front of you at an angle, with your left hand approximately at head level and your elbow at approximately shoulder level. 3. Slide your right hand over your left hand in an upward motion 4. Signal the strike There is NO verbal call on a foul tip. If you yell "FOUL TIP!!" all anyone will hear is "FOUL!" and stop playing. The proper mechanic with description can be seen here - http://www.stocktonumpires.com/Signaling-Foul-Tip.htm Courtesy of Stockton Umpires For a "Foul Ball": 1. Come up to a standing set. 2. Raise both arms with your hands slightly above shoulder level, palms out in front of you. 3. Follow this with a verbal call of "FOUL!" Note: for obvious foul balls (ex: fouled to the backstop or out of play) you do not have to give a verbal call, the signal will suffice. You and your partner should pregame about what signal the base umpire can use to give help to the plate umpire (whose view may be obstructed) on a possible foul tip to show whether it is caught or not. One example may be the base umpire holding a closed right fist down to show a catch. Or pointing down with the right index finger to show the ball was not caught. Again, this should be a discussion with your partner while you are getting ready for the game. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Interpreter.
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