FAIR BALL Meaning and
Definition
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Fair ball, in sports such as baseball or softball, refers to a specific type of contact made by a batter hitting a pitched ball that is considered within the legal boundaries of play and provides the opportunity for advancing bases or achieving a hit.
In baseball, a fair ball is legally hit if it lands within the playing area, defined by the foul lines that extend from home plate to the outfield fence. For a fair ball to be considered a hit, it must remain within these boundaries or make contact with a base or a player before exiting the playing area. If a fair ball is struck with enough force to surpass the outfield fence without being touched by a player or a base, it is recognized as a home run.
In softball, similar rules apply to define a fair ball. The ball must land within the boundaries of the softball field, which is typically smaller than a baseball field, before it is legally ruled as a hit. The fair ball rule also applies for advancing bases in this sport.
The concept of a fair ball is essential to the scoring and overall gameplay of baseball and softball. It determines whether the batter can safely advance to first base or beyond, and it allows fielders to attempt to make plays to record an out. Without the clear distinction between fair and foul balls, the game dynamics and scoring would be significantly impacted.
Common Misspellings for FAIR BALL
- dair ball
- cair ball
- vair ball
- gair ball
- tair ball
- rair ball
- fzir ball
- fsir ball
- fwir ball
- fqir ball
- faur ball
- fajr ball
- fakr ball
- faor ball
- fa9r ball
- fa8r ball
- faie ball
- faid ball
- faif ball
Etymology of FAIR BALL
The etymology of the phrase "fair ball" can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent words.
1. Fair: This word derives from the Old English term "fæger", meaning beautiful, pleasing, or good. It is related to various Germanic languages, such as Old High German "fagar" and Old Norse "fagr". Over time, "fair" evolved to encompass the concept of justice and impartiality, thus leading to its use in a sporting context.
2. Ball: The term "ball" has a long and complex etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "beall", which referred to a rounded object or an instrument used in games. The word has roots in various Germanic and Celtic languages, such as Middle High German "balle" and Old Irish "ball". Ultimately, "ball" has evolved to describe a sphere-shaped object used in sports.
Similar spelling word for FAIR BALL
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