[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

You could always print this and show it to the coaches.


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

Official Notes - Case Book - Comments: 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.

Professional Interpretation: The critical factor in this ruling is the definition of "falls." A player may stumble, lean on a dugout wall, be supported by players from either team, and teeter on a fence railing without actually falling. This is a judgment call and the umpire must be alert and in position to judge the player's status after catching a fly ball. The player may throw from a dead ball territory and complete a play provided he has not fallen in the dead ball territory (e.g. dugout, stands, photographers' pit). A one base award is made if the fielder falls in a dead ball area after catching a fly ball. Umpires should be extremely alert as the runners must legally tag as on any fly ball caught. Even though an award may be made, the runner is still obligated to re-touch his last legally occupied base at the time of the pitch.


Tim.

Tim, remember the rule changes for 2006? This was one of them!

Old Rule:

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.


New Rule:

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;

Rule 7.04(c) Comment: If a fielder, after having made a legal catch, should fall into a stand or among spectators or into the dugout or any other out-of-play area while in possession of the ball after making a legal catch, or fall while in the dugout after making a legal catch, the ball is dead and each runner shall advance one base, without liability to be put out, from his last legally touched base at the time the fielder fell into, or in, such out-of-play area.

The fielder can no longer go into the dugout to make a catch. That portion of the rule was deleted as they no longer want players going into dugouts to make plays.


New Rule:

Rule 6.05(a) Comment: A fielder may reach into, but not step into, a dugout to make a catch, and if he holds the ball, the catch shall be allowed. A fielder, in order to make a catch on a foul ball nearing a dugout or other out-of-play area (such as the stands), must have one or both feet on or over the playing surface (including the lip of the dugout) and neither foot on the ground inside the dugout or in any other out-of-play area. Ball is in play, unless the fielder, after making a legal catch, falls into a dugout or other out-of-play area, in which case the ball is dead. Status of runners shall be as described in Rule 7.04(c) Comment.