Be the Referee: Fair or Foul Ball?
May 14, 2015
This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl explains how baselines come into play when deciding if a batted ball is fair or foul in baseball and softball.
Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.
Below is this week's segment - Fair or Foul Ball? - Listen
Today’s segment is going to start with a quick “You Make The Call” question.
Baseball batter up at bat hits a line drive directly back toward the pitcher’s mound. The ball hits off the pitching rubber or the pitching plate, and rebounds directly into the first base dugout.
Fair or Foul Ball?
Baseball and Softball are unique in that these are two sports where the lines are actually considered to be in play. A ball hitting the chalk line in Baseball or Softball is a Fair Ball, to where in a basketball game, that player would be considered out of bounds.
Now back to our question – that would be considered a Foul Ball because the ball never settled or passed first base or third base in fair territory.
Past editions
May 4 - Non-Glare Helmets - Listen
April 27 - Vern L. Norris Award - Listen
March 23 - Deciding the Game - Listen
March 16 - Block/Charge Call - Listen
March 9 - Dive on the Floor - Listen
March 2 - Primary Areas - Listen
Feb. 23 - Too Much TV - Listen
Feb. 16 - Video Clip Library - Listen
Feb. 9 - Cheer Safety - Listen
Feb. 2 - Basketball PA Announcers - Listen
Jan. 26 - Wrestling Health Concerns - Listen
Jan. 19 - Basketball Physical Contact - Listen
Jan. 12 - Video Review Part 2 - Listen
Dec. 29 - Video Review Part 1 - Listen
Dec. 17 - Registration Part 2 - Listen
Dec. 10 - Registration Part 1 - Listen
Dec. 3 - Legacy Program - Listen
Nov. 26 - Sideline Management - Listen
Nov. 19 - 7-Person Mechanics - Listen
Nov. 12 - Blocking Below the Waist - Listen
Nov. 5 - Tournament Selection - Listen
Oct. 29 - Uncatchable Pass - Listen
Oct. 22 - Preparation for Officials - Listen
Oct. 15 - Automatic First Downs - Listen
Oct. 8 - Officials & Injuries - Listen
Oct. 1 - Overtime - Listen
Sept. 25 - Field Goals - Listen
Sept. 18 - Tackle Box - Listen
Sept. 11 - Pass Interference - Listen
Aug. 25 - Targeting - Listen
What's My Why: Official Murray Rose
May 26, 2026
Murray Rose, Zeeland
After a wrestling coaching career that began in 1985-86 and stretched over 31 years, Rose immediately became a wrestling official with the start of the 2017-18 season. He remains ranked ninth for coaching wins in the sport after building a 767-167-2 record at Allegan, where he led teams to two Finals championships.
After 30 years of coaching wrestling, I decided to become a wrestling official. My wife asked me, “Why would you ever want to do that?”
I said the answer is simple: I’m a wrestling guy. It’s what I do. It’s been my passion my whole life. It’s time for me to give back to the sport that’s given so much to me through the year.
Think about it. I get to work out, get paid and have fun, all at the same time. I get to be in the middle of the action, and I get the best seat in the house. I get to shake hands with thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and I get to make hundreds of new officiating friends.
For me, officiating is a way of life – and it’s been a wild ride for nine years now. I encourage all of you young men and women out there to jump on this officiating train and challenge yourself – because I want you to have as much fun officiating as I am.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
Don't miss Officiate Michigan Day 2026, July 25 in Grand Rapids! Check out MHSAA.com/OMD to register and learn more.
What's My Why
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch