Foul Tip
Also known as: foul tip, foul tip vs foul ball, foul tip strike three, is a foul tip a strike
A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher and is legally caught. It counts as a strike, and the ball stays live. With two strikes, it is strike three and the batter is out. If the catcher does not hold on, it is an ordinary foul ball.
The catch separates the two. MLB's definition says it is not a foul tip unless caught. A pop-up the catcher grabs after it rises is a caught fly, and the batter is out that way. A ball that shoots straight off the bat into the mitt is a tip and a strike.
On a two-strike count, a caught tip is strike three. Earlier in the count it simply adds a strike. The ball stays live. Runners may try to advance, unlike after an ordinary foul, when they must go back.
In MLB rules, the catch still counts if the ball first hits the catcher's body or gear, as long as he secures it with his hand or glove before it touches the ground. It does not count if the ball lodges in his gear or comes off the umpire. High school wording differs. NFHS Rule 2-16-2 says the ball must go directly to the catcher's hands. A ball that strikes the chest protector first may not count in high school play.
Tips by skill level
It only counts when the catcher holds the ball. If it drops, it is just a foul.
Runners should treat a caught tip like a pitch the catcher received. The ball is live. A steal attempt is still on.
Example
With a 1-2 count, a batter barely nicks a fastball and it shoots into the catcher's mitt. The umpire calls strike three. The batter is out even though he made contact.
Why it matters
Many players think any contact keeps an at-bat alive. This rule explains strikeouts on contact and why runners can run on one.
Common mistakes
- Thinking any contact with two strikes keeps the at-bat alive
- Calling a dropped tip a strike
- Runners standing still when the ball is live
- Assuming high school and MLB treat gear-first catches the same
Frequently asked questions
Is a foul tip strike three?
Yes, with two strikes. A tip the catcher legally catches is a strike, and on a two-strike count the batter is out.
What is the difference between a foul tip and a foul ball?
A foul tip goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher and is caught. If the catcher doesn't catch it, it is a foul ball. A foul ball can't be strike three unless it came on a bunt attempt.
Can runners steal on a foul tip?
Yes. The ball stays live after a caught tip, so runners can advance at their own risk. After an ordinary foul they must return.
Sources
Related terms
- Check SwingA check swing is a swing the hitter stops before the bat crosses the plane of contact. It counts as a swing if the bat and wrists broke toward the ball.
- Two-Strike ApproachA two-strike approach is how a hitter adjusts with two strikes. They shorten the swing, cover more of the strike zone, and put contact ahead of power.
- Dropped Third StrikeOn a dropped third strike, the batter may run to first if the catcher does not catch strike three before it touches the ground. It applies only when first base is empty or there are two outs. To get the out, the catcher usually tags the batter or throws to first.
- Foul Bunt With Two StrikesWith two strikes, a bunt attempt that goes foul counts as the third strike, and the batter is out. MLB Rule 5.09(a)(4) and NFHS Rule 7-4-1e both say so. A full swing fouled off in that count does not end the at-bat. Only the attempt to tap the ball carries this penalty.
- Strike ZoneThe strike zone is the three-dimensional region over home plate where a pitch must pass to be called a strike. Under MLB rules it runs from just below the kneecap up to the midpoint between the batter's shoulders and the top of the uniform pants.
Related guides & benchmarks
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