Editor’s note: “The burning question” will examine issues in baseball and softball that have stood the test of time, but confusion still exists about a sure answer. The series will be run in place of road-game previews.

Why is it called the foul pole when the ball is considered fair if it hits the pole?

Mike Korcek, sports information director: I really don’t know. I guess they should call it the fair pole. I’m 56 years old, and I’ve never really thought of that.

Donna Martin, head softball coach: Because the rest of it is fair, I guess. It’s the way it has always been. It’s like one of those questions like, why do birds fly, or why do fish swim?

Kara Schuur, sophomore, second baseman: When the ball hits the line, it’s fair. It’s like volleyball.

Lauren von Holst, freshman, designated hitter: I guess because to the left of it is foul. I was trying to think of when the ball hits the line in other sports, it’s fair.

Toni Del Toro, junior, first baseman: I guess because technically it’s in fair territory, but whatever is on the other side of it is foul.

Kelly Drozd, sophomore, left fielder: I have no idea. That’s a really good question. It’s like the same thing with the line. If the ball hits the line, it’s fair, but I really have no idea.

The authority

Dee Abrahamson, associate athletic director, a former NIU softball coach and a member of the NCAA softball rules committee: The real reason is because the pole is an extension of the foul line. So, I guess your follow-up question would be why it is called the foul line if the ball is considered fair when it hits the foul line – And I have no idea.

Game time

Who: Huskies softball game

What: NIU (10-27) vs. DePaul (12-19-1)

Where: DePaul’s Wish Field

When: 3 p.m. today (DH)

Did you know? Today is the start of a stretch of five games in five days for the Huskies.