Overview
A foul ball is a batted ball that lands outside the foul lines extending from home plate past first and third base. The foul ball rule is one of baseball's distinctive features: fouls count as strikes when the batter has zero or one strike, but once the count reaches two strikes, additional fouls do not advance the count. This 'infinite fouls after two strikes' rule gives batters room to battle and adds depth to the pitcher-batter confrontation. Fouls carry significant tactical value beyond being mere mishits. The ability to foul off borderline pitches with two strikes - wearing down the pitcher's count while waiting for a hittable offering - is a prized professional skill. For pitchers, extended foul-ball at-bats mean rising pitch counts and accelerated fatigue, potentially forcing an early exit. Foul balls also raise spectator safety concerns. Injuries from batted balls entering the stands have prompted action worldwide, and NPB has progressively expanded protective netting. Whether fans may keep foul balls varies by venue; most Japanese stadiums permit it.