FOUL TIP / FOUL BALL
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, a batter swings and contacts the pitch which immediately deflects off the catcher’s mask and is caught by the catcher. Is this a foul ball or foul tip?
ANSWER: Dead ball. (BB- batted ball goes directly to catcher’s mask without first contacting catcher’s glove is a foul ball). (Rule 2, Sec. 16, Art. 1,d; Rule 5-1-1d,2). (SB- Rule 2-25-1,d; Rule 5-1-1,d,2).
QUESTION: Batter nicks a pitch which directly deflects off catcher’s mitt, then contacts catcher’s protector and finally is caught by catcher without touching the ground. Umpire signals foul tip. Is this correct call?
ANSWER: Yes, this is considered a foul tip because batted ball immediately contacted catcher’s mitt or hand followed by contact with protector and eventual possession; hence, ball remains live. If ball was dropped on ground, dead ball, foul ball would be the call. (BB- Rule 2, Sec. 16, Art. 2) (SB- Rule 2, Sec. 25, Art. 2).