A fair ball is defined as a batted ball that does what?

A fair ball is defined as a batted ball that settles in fair territory, which includes certain interactions with the field and players. Specifically, when a batted ball touches an umpire or player while in fair territory, it is considered fair. This means that if the ball makes contact with an umpire or any other player in fair territory, it will remain in play, and the ball will be ruled fair.

The first option focuses on the relationship of the ball to home plate, which is not sufficient by itself to define the ball's status as fair. Touching only home plate does not determine the ball's outcome on the field.

The second option mentions settling on the foul line between bases. While the ball does need to strike a fair area to be ruled fair, it must be established that settling on the foul line does not individually classify the ball as fair unless it indeed lands inside fair territory.

The last choice, "All of the above," would inaccurately imply that all the previous statements correctly define what a fair ball is. Thus, the accurate representation of a fair ball is when it touches an umpire or player while in fair territory, as it directly impacts the play and makes the ball in play according to baseball rules.