What is classified as a foul tip?

A foul tip is specifically defined in baseball as a batted ball that goes sharply and directly from the bat to the catcher's glove and is legally caught by the catcher. This scenario highlights that for a ball to be classified as a foul tip, it must not only be a strike (meaning it is within the strike zone when passed by the batter) but must also be caught cleanly by the catcher.

This definition means that if the ball is caught by any other player, such as an infielder, it does not qualify as a foul tip because the rule strictly specifies that it must be the catcher who makes the catch. Additionally, the ball must be sharp and direct; if it is not caught or if it is a glancing hit, it is ruled differently, such as a foul ball. Thus, the correct classification requires both conditions: that it is a strike and that it is caught only by the catcher.