rbmartin I saw a highlight from a recent college game where an outfielder leaps to rob the batter of a home run and goes completely over the outfield fence during the process of making the catch. Is this a legal catch? I thought the player must remain or "land back" in play for the catch to be legal. I am not an umpire so please forgive me if this question sounds stupid.
TwoBits The catch is legal and the batter is out. They've been playing the highlight all weekend on "Sportscenter".
tibear As long as the outfield didn't have a foot touch the ground in the dead ball territory and at least one foot over the playing field when the ball was caught it is a legal catch.
tw1ns correct me if I am wrong....which has been known to happen... if the fielder carries the ball into dead ball area, assuming there are baserunners aren't they awarded a base?
rbmartin tibear wroteAs long as the outfield didn't have a foot touch the ground in the dead ball territory and at least one foot over the playing field when the ball was caught it is a legal catch. So if he would have contacted the ground in dead ball territory before making the catch it would have been ruled a home run?
bob jenkins rbmartin wroteSo if he would have contacted the ground in dead ball territory before making the catch it would have been ruled a home run? Yes, in NCAA and (I think) OBR
tibear rbmartin wroteSo if he would have contacted the ground in dead ball territory before making the catch it would have been ruled a home run? Yes it would be a home run. It is the same rule as any other DBT line. i.e. foul line
mbyron tibear wroteYes it would be a home run. It is the same rule as any other DBT line. i.e. foul line The foul line does not mark DBT.
bossman72 If his leap originates from LBT and he doesn't physically touch DBT before making the catch, then it is a good catch. If there were runners on base (less than 2 out), they would be awarded one base.