Why do they call the big pole in the outfield the foul pole, when in fact it is a homerun pole if you hit it?

Answer 1

Massive Man is not very massive in the brain area

Answer 2

Massive Mann is wrong. If it his the pole and goes foul, its still a homerun. Its called the foul pole because it helps to determine whether the ball is fair or foul. It could have just as easily been the fair pole, but it was called the foul pole.

Answer 3

Well you can look at it as there is generally more space between the outside of the foul poles than in the fair territory between them in the outfield. Since they mark off more foul territory than they mark fair territory I see them as foul poles, even if hitting the pole is fair. People that don't anything about baseball shouldn't be answering these questions. If it barely brushes the foul pole and goes to foul territory, it's still a fair ball. If he nails the pole and shoots into the stands in foul territory, it's still a fair ball. People should get their facts straight before answering questions. If you don't watch baseball, don't answer questions about baseball Massive Mann.

Answer 4

Massive Man is wrong, if it hits it and goes foul, it's a homer. But the pole is there to mark a line from the home plate to the outfield. If the ball goes to the outer side of the pole (compared to field) its foul.

Answer 5

If it hits the foul pole, it is a HR....I think it's used to guide the umpires.

Answer 6

the pole is in fair territory but it separates fair from foul territory

Answer 7

If you hit it, and it drops foul, it's still foul. So it's foul a greater percent of the time, thus only the single name.

Answer 8

in boston, its called the Pesky Pole, and in LF, its the Fisk Pole

Answer 9

I don't know, but it is strange...........