fair territory

American  

noun

Baseball.

1. the area beginning with and including home plate and extending between and including foul lines into which a batter must bat the ball as a prerequisite for a safe hit.

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Example Sentences

Miller’s seventh pitch of the at-bat was another scorcher, but Gurriel made contact and this time kept the ball in fair territory.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025

The rule was designed to prevent collisions; foul lines intersected the middle of bases until the bags were moved entirely into fair territory in 1887.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2023

For the purpose of this rule, the defensive team has ‘left the field’ when the pitcher and all infielders have left fair territory on their way to the bench or clubhouse.”

From Washington Post • Jun. 29, 2022

It landed in fair territory but was called foul, preserving Santana’s gem.

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2022

No Assyrian ever yet came down upon the fold as my neighbor's chickens have descended upon the fair territory of my garden.

From A String of Amber Beads by Holden, Martha Everts