UMPIRE: CALL CHANGED: FOUL TO FAIR

FED: A batted ball is foul and dead whenever an umpire "inadvertently announces ‘Foul' on a ball that touches the ground," whether in fair or foul territory. That call cannot be changed. (2-16-1e; 5-1-1h; 5.1.1a, b and c)

 Play 1: B1 slaps a high drive that clears the fence down the line in left. The umpire calls "Foul ball!" After consulting with his partner, he changes the call to "Fair." Ruling: The ball became dead when it cleared the fence, not when the umpire called "Foul." The call may be changed.

Play 2: FED only. The umpire declares "Foul ball" on a pop-up that the third baseman misplays. The ball becomes fair, and F5 drops it. Ruling: The ball is, by rule, foul because it touched the ground.

NCAA: If a ball, other than one that cleared the outfield fence, is called foul, the call cannot be changed. (Appendix E) Last year (2008): Two Thurston interpretations provided for "foul" to become "fair" in certain circumstances.

OBR: Point not covered.

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