OBR, Rule 2.0:
Quote:
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A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the ball, while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.
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In a game last night, F3 received a throw from F5 at the dirt.
- Picture F3 touching 1B with his foot, and the ball held between both sides of his glove and the dirt.
- Two steps later, B/R crosses 1B.
- After a significant pause, F3 lifts his glove, holding the ball.
Since F3 made no adjustment before lifting his glove, I judged that he had had the ball firmly and securely in his glove (though in contact with the ground) before the B/R crossed the bag. I rang the runner out.
Is this the conventional call, or does contact with the ground preclude a secure holding? (My call was somewhat controversial with the 1st base coach, I think. Not that I noticed his reaction or anything.)
-LilLeaguer