fair ball

nounBaseball.

a batted ball that both lands and settles within the foul lines in the infield, or that is within the foul lines when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that first lands within the foul lines of the outfield or would if it were not caught or deflected.

Origin of fair ball

First recorded in 1855–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

A 'fair ball' is still given, but the custom of a stag-hunt on the second day has been dropped.
Devon, Its Moorlands, Streams and Coasts | Rosalind Northcote
As soon as the striker has struck a fair ball, he shall be considered “a player running the bases.”
Every Boy's Book: A Complete Encyclopdia of Sports and Amusements | Various
Smithers took it for an inshoot, and, in his judgment, it must be a fair ball.
Frank Merriwell's Cruise | Burt L. Standish
Johnny could pitch a very fair ball for an amateur, and the rock went true without any frills or curving deception.
Skyrider | B. M. Bower

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