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Batted ball
Batted ball
Batted ball
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Casey McGehee on the Milwaukee Brewers puts a ball in play

In the sports of baseball and softball, a batted ball is a pitch that has been contacted by the batter's bat. Batted balls are either fair or foul, and can be characterized as a fly ball, pop-up, line drive, or ground ball. In baseball, a foul ball counts as a strike against the batter, unless there are already two strikes on the batter, with special rules applying to foul tips and foul bunts. Fly balls are those hit in an arcing manner, with pop-ups being a subset of fly balls that do not travel far. Line drives are batted balls hit on a straight line trajectory, while ground balls are hit at a low trajectory, contact the ground shortly after being hit, and then either roll or bounce. Batted balls, especially line drives, can present a hazard to players, umpires, and spectators, as people have been seriously injured or killed after being struck by batted balls.

Fair or foul

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A view along a first base foul line, looking from the outfield wall back towards home plate

On the playing field, two straight lines (each known as a foul line) are drawn from the corner of home plate; one past first base and one past third base. The foul lines extend all the way to the outer limit of the outfield, typically a wall or fence, and perpendicularly up the wall or fence.[1]: 147  The entire area between foul lines, including the foul lines themselves, is considered fair territory;[1]: 147  anything not in fair territory is considered foul territory.[1]: 149 

In general, batted balls are judged by where they land (first contact the ground) or are first touched by a player. That is, a batted ball landing in fair territory or first touched by a player in fair territory is fair, while a batted ball landing in foul territory or first touched by a player in foul territory is foul. However, batted balls that have not yet reached first base or third base are judged on either where they are initially touched by a player or where they come to rest.[1]: 147  For example, if a batted ball lands in foul territory between home and first base, then rolls into fair territory, and is touched there (or comes to rest there) it is fair. Likewise, if a batted ball lands in fair territory between home and first base, then rolls into foul territory, and is touched there (or comes to rest there), it is foul.[1]: 146–147 

That a batted ball hit into the ground has to pass first base or third base in fair territory to be considered fair originated in response to "fair-foul" hitting of the 1860s and 1870s.[2] Batters would intentionally hit the ball into the ground in fair territory near home plate, at an angle that would send it into foul territory away from the fielders, allowing the batter to reach first base successfully.[2] Dickey Pearce, a well-known and respected player of the era, is credited with inventing the tactic.[2]

Effect

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Fielders can attempt to make an out by catching any ball hit in the air, fair or foul, as long as it is still in play.[1]: 39  Balls that leave the field of play, such as by going into spectator areas or the dugouts, are out of play. For balls on the ground, fielders can attempt to make an out on fair balls only.

A batted ball that clears the outfield fence in fair territory is a home run.[1]: 22  Since 1931, whether such a batted ball is fair or foul is judged on its position when it leaves the field (that is, where it is as it passes over the outfield fence or wall).[3] Previously, the ball had to be "fair when last seen" to be ruled a home run.[4] Also since 1931, the ball must clear the fence or wall on the fly to be a home run; previously, the ball could bounce over and still be considered a home run—such a batted ball is now an automatic double.[5][6]

A foul ball normally counts as a strike unless the batter already has had two strikes assessed against them, in which case the count does not change. Treating foul balls as strikes was adopted by the National League in 1901 and the American League in 1903.[3] There are specific rules for foul tips and foul bunts, which are described below. In slow-pitch softball, a foul ball always counts as a strike, even when the batter already has two strikes.[7]

Characterization

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Major League Baseball (MLB) uses four characterizations for all batted balls put into play:[8][9][10][11]

An outfielder about to catch a fly ball

Fly ball

[edit]

A fly ball is a batted ball hit in an arcing manner.[1]: 147  For statistical purposes,[a] MLB uses the term "fly ball" for such balls that go into the outfield, and a separate term (pop-up, below) for such balls that stay in the infield.[9]

Fielders attempt to catch fly balls on their descent, and an out is recorded if the ball is caught before it hits the ground.[12] Under early baseball rules, a fly ball caught on a bounce also resulted in an out; this was abolished for fair balls in 1864 and for foul balls in 1883.[6]

Pop-up

[edit]

A pop-up is a fly ball that does not travel far; rather than going into the outfield, it is hit to the infield.[8] Such a batted ball may, under specific circumstances, be deemed an "infield fly" by an umpire, which has special consideration as outlined below.[13]: 188 

Line drive

[edit]
An infielder about to field a ground ball

A line drive (colloquially, a "liner" or "rope") is a batted ball "hit in a nearly straight line usually not far above the ground."[14] Batters are usually most successful when they hit line drives, reaching base over 70% of the time, as compared to about 25% of the time on ground balls or fly balls.[15]

Ground ball

[edit]

A ground ball (colloquially, a "grounder") is a batted ball hit at a low enough trajectory that it contacts the ground a short distance after being hit and "rolls or bounces close to the ground."[1]: 149  The term is not used for fly balls, pop-ups, or line drives that are uncaught and happen to contact the ground.[citation needed]

Statistics

[edit]
J. D. Martinez batting in 2012

MLB.com provides statistics for hitters, using the above four categories, as part of a "Batted Ball Profile". For example, during the 2022 season, for the balls that designated hitter J. D. Martinez of the Boston Red Sox put into play, 38.2% were ground balls, 30.8% were fly balls, 26.7% were line drives, and 4.3% were pop-ups (the four figures sum to 100%).[16]

FanGraphs also provides batted ball statistics, but uses the four categories slightly differently: all balls put into play are characterized into one of three categories: ground ball, fly ball (regardless of where hit), or line drive.[17] The percentage of fly balls that were hit in the infield is then provided as a separate figure.[17] FanGraphs's statistics for Martinez for the 2022 season indicate 38.2% ground balls, 39.7% fly balls, and 22.1% line drives[b] (the three figures sum to 100%).[18] Martinez also had a 5.8% "infield fly ball percentage",[18] meaning that 5.8% of the fly balls he hit were infield pop-ups.[17]

In 2010, FanGraphs noted that the "league average" for batted ball rates was 44% ground balls, 35% fly balls, and 21% line drives (the three figures sum to 100%) with 11% of fly balls being infield pop-ups.[17]

Special cases

[edit]

The following have special rules considerations.

Infield fly

[edit]
An umpire (in black shirt) indicating an infield fly—a verbal call is also made

A specific rule applies to infielders attempting to catch some fly balls: the infield fly rule, which has specific context. If (and only if) there are less than two outs and there are baserunners on first base and second base (or the bases are loaded) a fly ball "which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort" results in the batter being called out, regardless of if the ball is caught.[1]: 149  This rule is in place to prevent infielders from intentionally not catching the ball and being able to record multiple outs via a force play.[19]

An infield fly is verbally declared by an umpire, whose decision "should be made immediately".[1]: 149  Umpires commonly also give a visual indication by pointing straight up in the air with their right arm.[20] If a batted ball declared to be an infield fly is left untouched and it comes to rest (or is first touched) in foul territory before passing first base or third base, it is treated the same as any other foul ball (that is, the batter is not automatically out).[1]: 149–150  The infield fly rule was adopted in 1895.[3]

Foul tip

[edit]

By rule, a foul tip is "a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher's hands and is legally caught."[1]: 149  A foul tip is considered to be the same as a regular strike, thus a foul tip (that is caught per the definition) with two strikes already against the batter results in a strikeout.[21] This provision has been part of baseball rules since 1895.[3]

Bunt

[edit]
A batter bunting—note the position of his hands on the bat
Main article: Bunt (baseball)

A bunt is a special type of batted ball. Bunts occur when pitched balls are "intentionally met with the bat" rather than being swung at.[1]: 145  A ball that is bunted by a batter may be fair or foul, and while generally it does not travel very far, it may be a ground ball (the desired outcome), pop-up, or (rarely) line drive.

Foul bunt

[edit]

Unlike other types of batted balls, for which a third strike is not assessed when a foul ball is hit with two strikes in the count, a third strike is assessed to the batter when a two-strike bunt goes foul, resulting in a strikeout.[1]: 41  This rule originated as early as 1894 in response to batters intentionally bunting pitches foul in order to tire the pitcher, also impacting pace of play.[22]

Safety concerns

[edit]
Pitcher Alex Cobb receives medical attention after being hit by a line drive on June 15, 2013.[23]

Batted balls, especially line drives, can be dangerous to players, umpires, and spectators. There are myriad examples; several are provided below. A batted ball hit sharply at the pitcher is known as a "comebacker".

In August 1982, Jim Rice of the Boston Red Sox left the dugout to carry a young boy that had been hit by a foul line drive into the team's clubhouse for medical treatment; the boy later underwent emergency surgery at a local hospital.[24] In July 2007, first base coach Mike Coolbaugh was killed when a foul line drive hit him in the head during a minor-league game.[25] Umpire Dale Scott had to leave a game in August 2012 after being struck by a foul tip while serving as home plate umpire,[26] and also had to leave a game in June 2015 when struck by a line drive while umpiring at second base.[27] In May 2019, a young fan at a Houston Astros game required hospitalization after being hit with a foul line drive.[28] In a June 2021 minor-league game, pitcher Tyler Zombro was hit in the head by a 104 mph (167 km/h) line drive, fracturing his skull and causing him to have a seizure.[29]

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Batted ball

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A batted ball in is a pitched that has been struck by the batter using the , distinguishing it from a thrown or untouched in the rules of play. This contact initiates various outcomes, including fair balls that enter play and foul balls that do not, with the remaining live until it is , deadened by a rule violation, or otherwise ruled out of play. Batted balls are central to the game's dynamics and statistical , as they determine , outs, errors, and advances for runners. In modern , advanced tracking systems like measure batted ball characteristics such as exit velocity (speed off the ) and launch (trajectory relative to the ground), enabling deeper insights into performance. These metrics classify batted balls into categories that influence outcomes: ground balls (launch below 10 degrees, often resulting in groundouts but occasional infield ), line drives (launch 10-25 degrees, with high batting averages around .630 due to difficulty in fielding), fly balls (launch 25-50 degrees, prone to outs but potential for extra-base ), and pop-ups (launch above 50 degrees, nearly always outs). The distribution of batted ball types—expressed as percentages like GB% (ground ball rate), LD% (line drive rate), and FB% (fly ball rate)—is a key sabermetric tool for evaluating hitters and predicting success, as line drives correlate strongly with higher on-base percentages while excessive ground balls limit power. batted balls that elude fielders can become singles, doubles, triples, or home runs, with home runs occurring when a fly ball clears fence in fair territory. Conversely, foul balls count as strikes (except on strike) and do not advance runners, often prolonging at-bats. Understanding batted ball profiles helps teams optimize strategies, such as encouraging launch angles for power hitting in the launch-angle era of .

Fundamentals

Definition

In baseball, a batted ball is defined as any pitch that comes into contact with the held by the batter and is subsequently propelled either fairly or foully. This contact must occur while the batter is legally positioned in the batter's box, as specified in (MLB) rules, ensuring the play advances under standard conditions. The resulting motion puts the ball into play, allowing fielders to attempt outs or the batter to potentially reach base, distinct from scenarios where the pitch is untouched or intentionally avoided. For the contact to qualify as a legal batted ball, the bat must conform to MLB specifications outlined in Rule 1.10, which mandates a smooth, round stick made from a single piece of , with a maximum of 2.61 inches and a not exceeding 42 inches. The portion, up to 18 inches from the end, may include grip material for better control, but no experimental, laminated, or unapproved designs are permitted without certification from the Office of the . These requirements ensure uniformity and safety across professional play. Batted balls are differentiated from other forms of ball contact, such as a foul tip, which is a specific batted ball that travels sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's glove and is legally caught, counting as a strike while keeping the ball in play. In contrast, events like catcher interference—where the catcher or another fielder hinders the batter's swing—prevent a batted ball from occurring altogether, resulting in the batter being awarded first base without liability for being put out. Additionally, pitches not swung at or intentional misses do not produce a batted ball, maintaining the distinction from strikes or balls in the count. The concept of a batted ball has evolved within 's rules since the , originating in the early codified guidelines of the National Association of Base Ball Players in the and refined through subsequent leagues like the National League founded in 1876, where initial focus was on basic contact and -foul distinctions without modern trajectory classifications.

Fair and Foul Determination

In , foul territory is defined as the area of the playing field outside the foul lines, which extend from home plate through first and third base to fence and perpendicularly upward, including the foul poles as boundaries. Fair territory encompasses the space within these lines, forming the playable area for determining the status of a batted ball. A batted ball is classified as fair if it settles on fair ground between home plate and first base or between home plate and third base. It is also fair if it bounds past first or third base while on or over fair territory into the outfield, touches first, second, or third base, first falls on fair territory on or beyond first or third base, or touches the person, clothing, or equipment of an , player, or any foreign object while on or over fair territory. Additionally, a batted ball is fair if it passes out of the playing field in flight while over fair territory, such as over the outfield fence at a distance of 250 feet or more from home plate. The foul lines and foul poles themselves are considered fair territory. Conversely, a batted ball is foul if it settles on foul territory between home plate and first base or between home plate and third base. It is also foul if it first contacts a fielder while in foul territory, bounds past first or third base while on or over foul territory, first falls on foul territory on or beyond first or third base, or touches the , , or equipment of an , player, or any foreign object while on or over foul territory. Other foul classifications include a ball that goes directly from the to the catcher's body or equipment without being in the catcher's , touches the batter's or in the batter's box without being hit fairly, or touches a runner or on foul ground before passing a fielder (unless the fielder has already had a reasonable opportunity to field it). A batted ball that first contacts the field between home plate and first or third base is foul unless it subsequently bounces over or directly contacts the base or passes the base in fair territory. Umpires determine fair or foul status in real time based on the ball's position relative to the foul line or pole when it first touches the ground, a base, or a player, rather than the fielder's position. Since 2014, has allowed instant replay reviews for fair/foul calls, particularly those near the bases or involving boundary disputes, to assist umpires in making accurate judgments. Edge cases include batted balls that go over the outfield fence in flight in fair territory, which are ruled fair and result in a home run if the distance is 250 feet or more from home plate, while those that bounce over the fence are ground-rule doubles. If a batted ball strikes a foreign object, such as a batting helmet, while on foul territory, it is immediately classified as foul and dead. Balls caught by a fielder in foul territory before touching the ground are also foul, regardless of the catch's validity for an out.

Effects on Gameplay

When a batter contacts the ball in such a way that it becomes a , the batter immediately becomes a runner and is entitled to advance to first base, with the potential to reach further bases depending on the ball's and fielding response. Fielders must then attempt to put out the batter-runner or any advancing baserunners through tags, force plays, or catches, which can result in if the batter reaches base safely, errors if defensive misplay allows extra advancement, or multiple outs such as double plays on ground balls to infielders. Runners already on base are forced to advance ahead of the batter-runner and may score on successful or errors, directly contributing to run production. In contrast, a counts as a strike against the batter for the first two strikes, but does not advance runners unless the ball is by a fielder, in which case runners must retouch their bases before advancing at their own risk. If not , the foul ball renders the ball dead, halting play until the next pitch, and runners return to their original bases without any opportunity for advancement. With two strikes already accumulated, a remains live in play, but the batter cannot be called out on a third strike solely from contacting the ball; only a swinging miss or uncontacted pitch outside the can end the at-bat in that manner, allowing the foul to prolong the indefinitely. Strategically, foul balls enable batters to extend at-bats by fouling off pitches, which increases overall pitch counts, fatigues pitchers, and rewards patient approaches that work deeper into counts for better hitting opportunities. balls, by driving offensive action, play a central in scoring runs through base hits and advances, fundamentally shaping game outcomes and team strategies focused on rallies.

Classification by Trajectory

Fly Balls

A fly ball in is a batted ball that travels high into the air with a significant arc, propelled primarily upward before descending toward the field, distinguishing it from flatter trajectories like line drives or ground balls. According to Major League Baseball's system, fly balls are categorized by launch angles between 25 and 50 degrees, where the angle measures the vertical direction of the ball off the bat relative to the horizontal plane. This arcing path results from backspin imparted by the bat, which helps maintain lift and prolong the ball's flight. The distance and hang time of a fly ball depend on key physical factors, including exit velocity—the speed at which the leaves the —and environmental conditions like wind and altitude. In MLB, the average exit velocity for fly balls is approximately 95 (as of the 2024 season), enabling typical distances of 300 to 350 feet, though elite power hitters can exceed 400 feet under optimal conditions. Hang time, or the duration the remains airborne, often ranges from 3 to 5 seconds for standard fly balls, providing fielders time to track and position themselves but also increasing the risk of errors if misjudged. Fielding a fly ball primarily involves outfielders, who adjust their positioning based on the batter's tendencies, pitch location, and initial to intercept the descending . Outfielders employ techniques such as reading the ball's launch angle and spin to predict its landing spot, often backpedaling or charging forward to make the catch over the shoulder or above the head. A caught fly ball typically results in an out, but under the rule, if there are fewer than two outs and a runner on third base scores after the catch, the batter is not charged with a time , recognizing the strategic value in advancing runners. Historically, strategies surrounding fly balls evolved markedly from the (roughly 1900–1919) to the (1920 onward). In the dead-ball period, low-scoring games emphasized "small ball" tactics like bunts and hit-and-run plays, with hitters avoiding high fly balls due to the softer, less lively baseballs that limited power and increased the likelihood of routine outs by deeper-positioned ers. The transition to the , prompted by rule changes such as banning the and introducing cleaner, wound-tighter baseballs, encouraged hitters to adopt swings aimed at elevating the ball for extra-base hits and home runs, shifting defensive strategies toward shallower outfield alignments to counter the increased fly ball distance and frequency.

Ground Balls

A ground ball occurs when a batter strikes the such that it contacts the playing surface immediately after being hit, resulting in a rolling or bouncing primarily along the infield or into shallow areas. This type of batted ball is characterized by a low launch angle, typically under 10 degrees, which distinguishes it from higher- hits like line drives or fly balls. Ground balls can vary in their initial path: "choppers" are struck downward, producing higher, more unpredictable bounces, while "rollers" skim the ground with minimal elevation, allowing for smoother travel across the field. The speed and bounce of a ground ball are significantly influenced by the field surface and conditions. On grass, the ball experiences greater , which slows its roll and reduces distance compared to surfaces, where harder-packed soil can accelerate the ball post-bounce depending on the exit velocity and terrain firmness. Soft or uneven , however, may cause deceleration or erratic , complicating fielding. These variations affect playability, with infielders adjusting their positioning and work to anticipate bounces on mixed grass- transitions common in diamonds. Defensively, ground balls demand quick reactions from infielders, who field the ball to record force outs at bases or initiate double plays, such as the common 6-4-3 sequence where the (6) throws to the second baseman (4) covering second base, who then relays to first base (3). Errors occur more frequently on ground balls due to the short reaction time and variable bounces, but modern strategies like defensive shifts reposition infielders—often overloading one side of the infield—based on batter tendencies to convert more grounders into outs. These shifts have increased double-play opportunities against pull-hitting batters, though they risk allowing hits to the opposite field. From an offensive perspective, ground balls generally offer limited value, frequently resulting in groundouts or, with runners on base, ground into double plays, which suppress scoring potential. They produce , typically singles, at a rate of about 23% (as of the 2024 MLB season)—higher than fly balls but with negligible extra-base power, yielding a weighted on-base average () around .213 and just 0.05 runs per out. This low slugging potential makes ground balls less desirable for power hitters, who prioritize elevating the ball for greater distance and run production.

Line Drives

A line drive is a batted ball struck sharply by the batter, traveling in a relatively straight line with minimal arc and high velocity, distinguishing it from higher-arching fly balls or low-bouncing ground balls. In (MLB), line drives are classified by as those with a launch angle between 10 and 25 degrees, resulting from solid contact that propels the ball efficiently through the air. These batted balls typically exhibit exit velocities exceeding 95 mph for hard-hit examples, contributing to their reputation as one of the most productive outcomes for hitters. The travel path of a line drive follows a near-horizontal , allowing it to cover distances of approximately 250 to 280 feet in about 3 to 4 seconds with little vertical drop, making it challenging to intercept before it reaches . If not caught, the ball risks skipping off grass or wall upon landing, potentially turning into extra bases. This straight-line motion maximizes distance relative to air time compared to other batted ball types, often landing in fair territory for optimal offensive advantage. Fielding a line drive presents significant challenges due to its speed and low flight path, particularly for infielders who must react instantly to prevent base hits. Infielders often struggle with the rapid approach, requiring precise positioning and quick dives, while outfielders frequently execute spectacular robber plays—diving catches that steal potential hits—or charge in for low liners. These defensive demands highlight the line drive's difficulty, as even elite fielders can be tested by its velocity and minimal hang time. Offensively, line drives offer the highest potential for extra-base among batted ball types, with a league-average on balls in play (BABIP) of around .685 and a of .937 in recent MLB seasons (as of 2024). They generate 1.26 runs per out, far surpassing fly balls (0.13) or ground balls (0.05), often resulting in doubles that drive in runs and advance baserunners. This efficiency makes line drives a key component of sustained scoring rallies, as approximately 73% convert to , including frequent extra-base opportunities.

Pop-ups

A pop-up is a type of batted ball in characterized as a fly ball with a high launch angle, typically exceeding 50 degrees, resulting in a short that lands within the infield, often under 150 feet from home plate. These balls are usually hit with moderate exit velocities, around 85 mph, and significant backspin, up to 1200 rpm, which imparts a towering arc rather than forward distance. Unlike general fly balls that reach the outfield, pop-ups remain confined to infield areas, making them distinct in classification. The descent of a pop-up features extended hang time, often lasting 5 to 7 seconds, due to the backspin generating a force that counters and prolongs the ball's air time. This hang time can create visibility challenges, particularly in day games under high-sky conditions where the ball blends against the bright background, reducing contrast for fielders. currents further complicate the , potentially causing loops or cusps near the apex, with landing distances varying from 30 to 130 feet depending on environmental factors and spin. Infield defense against pop-ups requires coordinated effort from multiple fielders who converge on the , emphasizing clear verbal communication to prevent collisions, such as calling "mine" or "I got it" to establish priority. Established priorities guide this process, with the typically having precedence over other infielders, followed by the second baseman, while the often yields to middle infielders on shallow pops. If the pop-up lands fair and is caught before touching the ground, it results in an automatic out for the batter. Strategically, pop-ups offer minimal offensive value, resulting in an out approximately 99% of the time, comparable to a but requiring contact, which underscores their inefficiency for advancing runners or scoring. They rarely occur intentionally, as batters aim to avoid such high-angle mishits that stem from poor swing mechanics or defensive shifts, instead favoring lower trajectories for . High pop-up rates among hitters often signal broader issues in plate discipline rather than a viable tactic.

Special Cases and Rules

Infield Fly Rule

The is a specific regulation in designed to protect baserunners from unfair defensive strategies. It declares the batter automatically out on a fair fly ball—not including a line drive or attempted bunt—that an can catch with ordinary effort, provided there are fewer than two outs and either runners on first and second base or the bases loaded. For this purpose, the , , and any positioned in the infield are considered infielders. The rule applies to fly balls, such as pop-ups, that remain in fair territory near the infield. Historically, the was introduced by the National League in 1895 to counteract a tactic where infielders intentionally allowed easy pop-ups to drop untouched, thereby forcing runners to advance and enabling easy double or triple plays by tagging the bases. This practice had become prevalent in the late , exploiting the force play mechanics to disadvantage offense. The rule's wording has evolved but retains its core intent in modern play, as codified in Major League Baseball's Rules under Definitions of Terms and Rule 5.09(a)(5). Upon determining the conditions are met, the must immediately and loudly declare "Infield Fly" to alert players and spectators, while pointing toward the or territory as a visual signal; if the ball is near the baselines and may drift foul, the call is "Infield Fly, if ." The ball remains live after the declaration, meaning the batter is out regardless of whether the ball is , but runners are no longer forced to advance and may attempt to advance at their own peril or tag up and run if the ball is . If the ball falls untouched and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is treated as a ; however, if it bounces before those bases, the infield fly ruling stands. The rule does not apply to line drives, attempted bunts, or ground balls, as these do not meet the criteria of a catchable fair fly ball with ordinary effort. Additionally, if an intentionally drops the ball under infield fly conditions, the play continues live rather than resulting in a , prioritizing the rule's activation. The umpire's judgment on catchability is final and immediate, based on factors like the ball's trajectory and infielder positioning, without regard to field conditions such as grass or baselines.

Foul Tips

A foul tip occurs when a batter makes light contact with a pitched ball, causing it to travel sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's or mitt, where it is legally caught without first touching the ground or any other object. This contact is typically glancing and produces a low-trajectory deflection, distinguishing it from a standard . Unlike a , which is ruled dead upon landing in foul territory and counts as a strike only if the batter has fewer than two strikes, a foul tip is not classified as a foul ball under and always counts as a strike regardless of the number of prior strikes. It requires an unbroken, direct path to the without any bounce or intermediate contact, ensuring the ball remains live after the catch. If the batter has fewer than two strikes, a caught foul tip simply advances the strike count, and play continues with runners able to advance at their own risk since the stays live. However, with two strikes, it constitutes the third strike, resulting in an out for the batter, though runners may still attempt to advance if the fails to control the . Catchers rely on specialized protective gear, including a reinforced mitt, face mask, chest protector, and shin guards, to safely handle foul tips, which can travel at high speeds close to the plate. The face mask, invented in by Fred Thayer specifically to shield against foul tips, marked a pivotal advancement in catcher safety. The foul tip rule has evolved since the , when a change required catchers to catch the third strike—including foul tips—on the fly for an out, prompting the widespread adoption of backstops and protective equipment behind the plate. By 1896, the rule defined a foul tip more narrowly as a not rising above the batter's head and caught within ten feet of the plate. A significant 2020 update to the Official Baseball Rules simplified the definition by removing the requirement for contact with the 's hands or glove, allowing it to apply if the ball reaches any part of the catcher directly, provided it is caught.

Bunts

A bunt is an intentional batted ball in where the batter does not swing fully but instead meets the pitch lightly with the to tap it slowly into the infield, typically in front of the plate or along the baselines, aiming for a base hit or to advance runners via . This deliberate weak contact contrasts with full swings, prioritizing placement over power to exploit defensive positioning and create opportunities for baserunners. The primary purposes include the bunt to advance a runner at the cost of an out, or offensive bunts like the drag or push to achieve a hit, especially for batters with speed. Effective bunting requires a square stance, where the batter pivots both feet toward the pitcher and holds the bat with the top hand near the knob and the bottom hand higher on the barrel for control. The batter deadens the ball by angling the bat downward at about 45 degrees while keeping it level through contact, absorbing the pitch's energy rather than propelling it, which directs the ball softly toward desired areas. Success hinges on precise bat control to avoid pop-ups or hard contact, as well as the batter's ability to read the pitch location and adjust the bat angle accordingly. Common types of bunts include the sacrifice bunt, where the batter intentionally gets out to move a runner from first to second or second to third; the drag bunt, executed by speedy left-handed batters who slide their right foot forward while directing the ball toward the right side for a hit; and the push bunt, used by right-handed batters to angle the ball to the left side opposite their stance. A foul bunt occurs when the batted ball lands in foul territory, counting as a foul ball and thus a strike against the batter, except on the third strike where it results in an out if caught by the catcher. Key success factors for bunts involve the batter's mastery of bat angle to deaden the ball effectively, minimizing bounce and distance, while fielders, particularly the and , charge aggressively to field and throw out the batter or runners. In high-leverage situations, such as with a runner on third and fewer than two outs, a well-executed bunt can score a run by forcing defensive errors during the charge. The strategic use of bunts has declined in the analytics era since the , as data shows they often yield lower expected run values compared to swinging for hits, especially with the universal reducing weak-hitting pitchers' bunting opportunities. Modern analysis emphasizes that in most countable situations, putting the in play with a full swing produces better outcomes than the guaranteed out of a sacrifice bunt.

Statistical Analysis

Basic Metrics

Basic metrics for batted balls provide foundational ways to quantify and categorize the outcomes of balls put into play by batters, excluding home runs, walks, and strikeouts. These metrics primarily focus on the and type of contact, expressed as percentages of total batted ball events (BBE), which include all fair balls excluding bunts and home runs. The core classifications are ground balls (GB), fly balls (FB), line drives (LD), and pop-ups (PU), with percentages denoted as GB%, FB%, LD%, and PU% respectively. These rates sum to 100% for GB%, FB%, and LD%, while PU% is a subset of FB% representing infield flies. Tracking of these metrics relies on classifications made by official scorers during games, who determine basic outcomes like or outs based on and landing location, supplemented by video-based systems for aggregation. For instance, simple counts such as ground outs versus fly outs per game have been recorded since the early days of organized , but detailed batted ball splits emerged in the 1980s through computerized by firms like STATS Inc., enabling league-wide analysis. Comprehensive, standardized tracking began in 2002 via Info Solutions (BIS), which uses multiple observers to categorize each batted ball based on its path: ground balls bounce before reaching , line drives have a flat , fly balls arc high, and pop-ups are short infield flies. League-wide averages illustrate typical distributions, with 2025 MLB data showing 41.8% GB, 19.8% LD, 38.4% FB, and 9.7% PU (as a share of fly balls). These rates have trended slightly lower for ground balls in recent years, dropping to 41.8% in 2025 from 43.1% in 2015, reflecting shifts in hitting strategies. Ground balls tend to yield more singles due to their speed along the ground, while line drives produce a higher proportion of doubles and overall hits, and fly balls contribute disproportionately to extra-base hits like doubles when pulled. These basic metrics are essential for evaluating hitter tendencies, such as identifying "ground ball hitters" who exceed 50% GB% through low-launch-angle swings, often prioritizing contact over power, versus "fly ball hitters" with elevated FB% (above 40%) who aim for home runs but risk more outs. For example, contact-oriented players like historically posted GB% around 55%, boosting batting averages via infield singles, while power hitters like maintain FB% over 45% to maximize . Such profiles help assess a batter's in controlling contact type, informing scouting and fantasy evaluations without requiring advanced physics.

Advanced Analytics

Advanced analytics in have revolutionized the evaluation of batted balls by leveraging sensor technology to capture granular data on their physical properties, enabling predictive modeling and deeper insights into offensive performance. Since the introduction of in 2015, metrics derived from high-speed cameras and radar systems have quantified aspects such as the speed, trajectory, and rotation of batted balls, shifting analysis from traditional outcomes to underlying mechanics. Key metrics include exit velocity, which measures the speed of the ball immediately after contact with the bat, with a league average of 89.4 mph across (MLB) batted balls as of 2025. Launch angle, the vertical angle at which the ball leaves the , is another critical measure; angles between 10 and 30 degrees are optimal for producing hits, as they balance distance and the likelihood of evading fielders. Spin rate, particularly backspin, enhances carry distance by creating lift through the , allowing fly balls to travel farther than they would with neutral or rotation. These metrics feed into basic expected value models that estimate outcomes based on physical inputs. For instance, expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) is calculated as a function of exit velocity, launch angle, and sometimes sprint speed for ground balls, providing a probabilistic assessment of a batted ball's value independent of defensive positioning: xwOBA=f(exit velocity,launch angle,sprint speed)\text{xwOBA} = f(\text{exit velocity}, \text{launch angle}, \text{sprint speed}) where the function is derived from historical Statcast data since 2015 to predict weighted offensive contributions. Statcast's comprehensive dataset, encompassing over 700,000 batted ball events annually, underpins these models by correlating physical parameters with results like hits or outs. In applications, these influence metrics such as on balls in play (BABIP), where a batter's profile—favoring line drives with high exit velocities—can sustain higher BABIP rates compared to ground-ball heavy approaches. The hard-hit rate, defined as the percentage of batted balls with exit velocities exceeding 95 mph, serves as a proxy for consistent power, with elite hitters often exceeding 45% in this category to drive extra-base hits. The evolution of these tools traces back to the integration of in 2008, which initially tracked pitches but laid groundwork for batted ball analysis by providing velocity and movement data. Statcast's 2015 rollout expanded this to full batted ball tracking, enabling granular breakdowns and predictive scouting models that forecast player potential based on launch angle tendencies and spin efficiency. For example, scouts now use simulated trajectories from these systems to identify prospects with optimal batted ball profiles before they reach the majors.

Safety Considerations

Risks to Players

Batted balls pose significant risks to players on the field, particularly through high-velocity line drives that can strike infielders and pitchers at speeds exceeding 100 mph, often resulting in fractures, concussions, or other severe injuries. Line drives to infielders, which travel in a nearly straight path close to the ground, leave limited reaction time—typically under 0.5 seconds—for defensive players to avoid impact, leading to common injuries such as broken bones in the legs, arms, or face. Pop-ups, while less lethal in speed, frequently cause collisions among outfielders or between infielders and pitchers pursuing the ball, resulting in head trauma, sprains, or dislocations due to miscommunication or overlapping pursuit paths. In (MLB), batted ball-related injuries occur several dozen times per season, with pitchers alone accounting for approximately 175 documented instances of being struck in 2024, consistent with recent seasons, many leading to time on the for contusions, fractures, or concussions. Annually, these injuries contribute to approximately 15-25 significant cases across players, with pitchers experiencing 10-18 high-grade impacts (e.g., 10+ days missed) per season in recent years like 2023 (18 cases). Protective measures have evolved to mitigate these hazards, with batting helmets becoming mandatory in MLB since to shield hitters from errant pitches, though fielders rely primarily on positioning and gloves. Efforts to test softer baseballs with reduced compression have been explored by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), demonstrating that such balls can lower injury severity by absorbing impact energy, particularly in youth and amateur play, with potential applications to professional levels. programs emphasize reaction time drills, such as response simulations to batted balls, which studies show can improve fielders' decision-making speed by up to 20% through repeated exposure to variable trajectories. Positional vulnerabilities highlight pitchers as the most endangered group, facing comebackers directly from their position and comprising over 60% of overall MLB injuries, with batted balls contributing significantly to head and lower-body trauma in this role. Infielders, especially shortstops and third basemen, follow closely due to their proximity to the batter, where line drives often target the legs or , exacerbating risks during high-stakes defensive plays.

Hazards to Spectators

Spectators at games face significant risks from batted balls, primarily foul balls and line drives that enter the stands, with an estimated 1,750 injuries occurring annually across league games in the United States. These incidents often involve high-velocity balls traveling over 100 , striking fans in unprotected seating areas and causing concussions, fractures, and in rare cases, fatalities. On average, more than 50 foul balls are hit per (MLB) game, with approximately 73% of them landing in spectator areas, creating thousands of potential exposures per season. Notable events underscore the severity of these hazards, such as the 2017 incident at where a young girl was struck in the face by a 105-mile-per-hour , resulting in a life-threatening and that required multiple surgeries. In 2018, a Dodgers fan, Linda Goldbloom, died from blunt force trauma after being hit in the head by a during a game against the San Diego Padres, marking one of the rare but tragic fatalities in recent MLB history. These cases, along with over 800 documented from 2012 to 2019, highlight how even brief distractions can lead to irreversible harm in seats close to the field. To mitigate these risks, MLB has implemented safety protocols including verbal warnings broadcast during games, usher guidance to direct fans to safer seating, and expanded protective netting. In December 2015, following analytics on foul ball trajectories that revealed high danger zones near the dugouts, MLB recommended extending netting from behind home plate to at least the ends of the dugouts, a measure adopted voluntarily by several teams initially. By the 2020 season, MLB mandated that all 30 teams extend protective netting from behind home plate to at least the ends of the dugouts, with many extending further down the foul lines, significantly reducing exposures in the most vulnerable areas behind home plate. Since 2020, several teams have voluntarily extended netting to the foul poles, amid continued advocacy for comprehensive coverage, as noted in a 2025 report estimating thousands of annual exposures. Legally, the "Baseball Rule" has historically limited stadium operators' liability for spectator injuries from foul balls, establishing that fans assume the of such incidents by attending games, provided basic protections like initial netting are in place. This doctrine, originating from early 20th-century court cases, shields teams from lawsuits unless —such as failing to maintain required netting—is proven. However, high-profile injuries since , coupled with trajectory studies showing that 75% of foul balls into stands travel below 50 feet high, have fueled advocacy for full foul-pole-to-foul-pole netting to override these limitations and enhance overall spectator safety.

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