[RPatrino]

Insatty, I sincerely suggest you rethink this statement in reference to the tagging of first base for an out. "The fielder's dropping of the ball without voluntary release should be considered conclusive proof that he did not hold the ball securely in his glove".

Consider this sitch. Ground ball to F6, F6 makes the routine play, throw is true to 1st, the BR is out by 3 steps. F3 receives throw from F6, and has secure possession of the ball in his glove while in contact with the base. BR, knowing he is out, makes the turn to head toward his bench on the third baseline. While F3 is attempting to remove the ball from his glove to throw it back to F1, BR inadvertantly knocks F3 in the glove and dislodges the ball. What do you have? Out/Safe?

I suspect that according to J/R you must call the runner safe. And I suspect that if you actually make this call there will be disputes.

Bob