Is a Ball That Hits Home Plate Fair or Foul?

A lot of action takes place at home plate—balls and strikes, hits and walks, runs and outs.

(And of course, foul balls.)

Speaking of foul balls—if you’re at a little league game, chances are you’ll hear something like this: “The ball hit the plate—it’s foul!”

While usually delivered by an uninformed dad…he does kind of sound right. Right?

Fair Territory vs. Foul Territory in Baseball

Let’s get the basics out of the way first—how does baseball define fair and foul territories?

Fair territory includes the area inside (or touching) the two foul lines extending from home plate to the outfield fence and vertically upwards. It encompasses the first and third base lines, the bases, and the home plate itself.
Foul Territory includes any area outside the two foul lines, extending from home plate past first and third base to the outfield fence and vertically upwards.

Home plate is located at the intersection of the two foul lines, making it a crucial reference point.

Is a ball that hits home plate fair or foul in MLB?

In Major League Baseball, as well as USSSA and Little League, the rules regarding a ball hitting home plate are straightforward: Home plate is fair territory.

Home plate is not “special” (despite what his mom told him). Rather, again, home plate is fair territory—just like the dirt and in front of it.

So, what happens if the ball hits home plate?

A ball that hits home plate and stays in fair territory is considered a fair ball.
A ball that hits home plate and then rolls or bounces into foul territory—before passing first or third base or being touched by a fielder—is considered a foul ball.

Are there any special rules for home plate?

If you’re like me, this answer leads to so many other questions and possible scenarios about this beautiful game.

Jump over to explore more rules about “the dish“:

Coming soon…

Is a batter out if he stands on home plate?
What if a batted ball is touched by the batter?
Is the batter’s box fair or foul territory?