If (in the judgement of the official) a stitch of the ball was touching even an extended plane(?) up from the edge of the chalk, when touched by a fielder...its fair. 3rd baseman was stupid and the ump was in perfect position.
I had one harder (at least to me) than that calling at addison high school a few years ago. Late afternoon sun glare straight down 3rd base line...wet outfield grass/chalk line. Line drive hit over 3rd hooking foul. I got my mask off and up the line as far and fast as i could. Saw the ball all the way to just before hitting ground (sun shining off moisture on ground made me lose it). I didn't see the ball fair. So i called it foul and sold the call. Thats when the fight started.


The harder I practice, the luckier I get.