Quote:
Originally posted by Andy
Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
There are irrelevant, though. In the definitions and case book, there is still nothing excluding any fielder including the catcher from going after and catching a foul ball for an out.
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So, Mike....what would you call a batted ball that went directly back into the catchers chest protector without touching the catchers glove or hand and was caught by the catcher before it hit the ground?
By definition in 1-59b, it's a foul ball. A foul ball is dead and cannot be played on. This would contradict your statement above.
I do not like this interpretation because it makes an exception for one player. I say if the catcher has the reflexes to catch a ball as I described above, reward him/her by calling the out.
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Andy,
You have a very good point and I did think of it after posting, but decided not to edit. However, as I stated before, the definition of a fly ball is a ball hit into the air and I stated that if it wasn't hit down to the ground, it must be up into the air. I failed to allow for the ball which stayed relatively parallel to the ground before contacting an umpire, player, fence or whatever. My fault of omission.
This is definitely a HTBT and see it, but if I have a ball which raises above the point of contact and the catcher makes a catch, I believe you can rule an out. Please take into consideration that I am not suggesting an umpire "guess" or suppose this as an out. I would definitely have to see this ball rise (not necessarily above the batter's head as that is not a requirement) off the bat to rule an out.