[baldgriff]

The USSSA rulebook defines a tag the following way:

TAG is the action of a Fielder touching a Base with any part of his body while holding
the ball firmly and securely in his hand or glove. Also, Tag refers to touching the
Runner with the ball, or with the glove holding the ball, while continuously holding
the ball firmly and securely during and immediately following the tag.


I have to admit - as a USSSA umpire I was having difficulty calling that play safe as the fielder didnt hold the ball firmly and securely during and immediately following the tag. In my mind there is control of the ball that needs to be maintained after the tag occurs. I can sell the safe call on this one much easier than the out.