Foul Ball
A batted ball that lands outside the foul lines. Counts as a strike unless the batter already has two strikes (except bunts).
Why "Foul Ball" Matters
Understanding foul ball helps you follow general situations during a baseball game. Pair this with our rules guide, positions overview, and the full baseball glossary.
Related General Terms
- Count
The number of balls and strikes on a batter. Always stated balls first (e.g., a 3-2 count means 3 balls and 2 strikes). - Designated Hitter (DH)
A player who bats in place of the pitcher but does not play a defensive position. Used in both leagues since 2022. - Full Count
A count of 3 balls and 2 strikes — the maximum of each before a walk or strikeout. - Ground Rule Double
A fair ball that bounces over or gets stuck in the outfield fence. All runners advance two bases.