[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by ggk

per fed case book, it appears that if one foot is on the dead ball line and the other foot is in dead ball area, the catch is still good
5.1.1 situation L.
how does that apply to the pro rule?

Here's the OBR ruling:

7.04
Each runner, other than the batter, may without liability to be put out, advance one base when

(c) A fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the field; A fielder or catcher may reach or step into, or go into the dugout with one or both feet to make a catch, and if he holds the ball, the catch shall be allowed. Ball is in play. If the fielder or catcher, after having made a legal catch, should fall into a stand or among spectators or into the dugout after making a legal catch, or fall while in the dugout after making a legal catch, the ball is dead and runners advance one base without liability to be put out.


I do not get any "kick-backs" from Papa C but the aforementioned is why you should purchase Carl's BRD (Baseball Rule Differences)

Bottom Line:

PRO - Both Feet have to be in Live ball territory prior to the catch. In pro rules, as 7.04(c) indicates a player may go into DBT (provided he does not fall down) after making the catch and the ball remains alive.

FED - You may straddle the line (one foot in one foot out), however, unlike OBR in FED once a player with both feet is in DBT , the ball is dead whether he falls down or not.

Pete Booth