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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/base-foul-fly-caught

A batter pops the ball up into foul territory and a fielder catches it. Is the batter out?

Yes. A caught foul fly is an out.

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  1. Yes, the batter is out ✔
  2. No, it is just a strike
  3. Only with two strikes

Why: The rulebook says a batter is out when his fair or foul fly ball is legally caught. Fielders often chase pop ups near the dugout and stands for this reason.

Huh, didn't know that: The one exception is a foul tip, which is treated as a strike, not a fly out.

The dad joke
Why did the fielder dive into the stands? He was a big fan of catching fouls.
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References

Answer: Yes, the batter is out. The rulebook says a batter is out when his fair or foul fly ball is legally caught. Fielders often chase pop ups near the dugout and stands for this reason.

  1. Official Baseball Rules, 2026 Edition (MLB) mktg.mlbstatic.com/mlb/official-information/2026-official-baseball-rules.pdf
    His fair or foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally caught by a fielder;
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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