Foul Line Baseball

Foul lines are some of the most distinctive markings on a baseball field. They divide the field into fair and foul territory and stretch from home plate to the outfield fence. Keep reading to learn how foul lines work in baseball.

What Is a Foul Line in Baseball?

A foul line in baseball is one of two lines that extend from home plate, through first base and third base, to the foul poles. If the baseball is hit onto this line it is in fair territory. If a baseball is hit into foul territory beyond these lines, it is a foul ball.

How Are Foul Lines Used in Baseball?

Foul lines are used to determine whether a ball that a batter hits is foul or fair. A fair ball is a ball that can be fielded by the defense, or used by the offense to get runners on base or to score runs. Meanwhile, a foul ball does not advance a batter or runner, and cannot result in an out unless it is caught by a defender or is a foul tip.

Foul Territory

On a baseball field, the area outside of the foul lines is considered foul territory. Balls that land uncaught in foul territory count as foul balls. Balls that are caught in foul territory count as outs.

Foul Line Dimensions

Foul lines are four inches wide. They extend from home plate to the outfield fence, a distance that ranges from 300 to 420 feet, depending on the ballpark. There are foul poles located at the end of the foul lines. The distance between the foul poles is between 440 and 500 feet.

Foul Line Rules Summary

• The foul lines are two lines on a baseball field, which extend from home plate, along the back of first and third base, and outward to the foul poles at the end of the outfield.
• The foul lines delineate fair territory from foul territory.
• Fair territory exists within the foul lines, and includes the four bases, the pitcher’s mound, the infield, and the outfield.
• Foul territory exists between the foul lines and the grandstands.
• If a batter hits a ball between the foul lines, or a ball which touches the foul line but does not go outside it, it is a fair ball and can be fielded, and base runners can also advance.
• If a batter hits a ball outside the foul lines, it is a foul ball, base runners cannot advance, and the batter must hit again unless the foul ball is caught by a fielder before hitting the ground, in which case it is an out.
• The two foul lines are each four inches wide and between 300 and 420 feet long.
• At the end of each foul line is a yellow foul pole. The distance between the two foul poles is generally between 440 and 500 feet.

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