If a batter hits a fair ball that rolls into foul territory and is collected by a spectator, what should the umpire do?

When a fair ball is hit and then rolls into foul territory, it is still considered in play until it is either collected by a player or obstructed in some way. In scenarios where a ball is collected by a spectator while it is still in foul territory, the play is affected because the ball is no longer accessible to the players on the field. Consequently, the umpire must declare the ball dead.

In this situation, the rules dictate that since the ball has been interfered with by a spectator, the batter and any other runners are typically awarded the next base, recognizing that they were prevented from completing their play due to the interference. This reasoning supports why the appropriate action is to declare the ball dead and award bases, thereby ensuring that the integrity of the game is maintained while also addressing the unusual circumstance of a spectator collecting the ball.

Other options do not align with the established rules regarding fair and foul balls. Letting the play continue is inappropriate as the ball is no longer in play once it is interfered with. Calling it a foul ball is incorrect because the ball was fair when it was hit. Having the batter run to first base would not be the correct action as it does not address the interference that has occurred.