When a batted ball is fouled off into the stands, what is the impact on the count and the ball status?

When a batted ball is fouled off into the stands, what is the impact on the count and the ball status?

• A. It is a dead ball and does not affect the count.
• B. It is a foul ball and counts toward the strike count (if applicable).
• C. It is a fair ball once it lands in the stands.
• D. The ball remains in play and the batter continues at the same count.

Answer: (B)

A foul ball through the stands is a foul ball and the ball is dead immediately. It doesn’t become fair or stay in play. The at-bat is affected by adding a strike to the batter’s count when applicable, so this pitch can change the strike count (keeping the at-bat alive unless a third strike ends it by rule). In short, it’s a foul ball, dead, and it contributes to the strike count.

A foul ball through the stands is a foul ball and the ball is dead immediately. It doesn’t become fair or stay in play. The at-bat is affected by adding a strike to the batter’s count when applicable, so this pitch can change the strike count (keeping the at-bat alive unless a third strike ends it by rule). In short, it’s a foul ball, dead, and it contributes to the strike count.