Quote:
Originally Posted by BretMan
I understand the distinction you guys are making about the ball being on the ground and either in the hand or glove. Valid point.
Then again, we're talking about the personal judgment of an individual umpire and how he might apply it to the actual playing rule, not the rule itself. While the rule is constant on this play, individual judgment is a huge variable.
Nevertheless, this sounds like a solid rule of thumb that an umpire could use to help form his judgment.
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BretMan is absolutely correct, the matter of possession and control is judgment. However, ASA & ISF both teach that merely trapping the ball against body, ground, wall or any object other than the opposite hand or glove on the hand is not to be considered possession.
IOW, if the glove is simply covering the ball, it is nothing at that time.
Though there is a difference between possession and catch, ASA offers what I consider a clear indication their position on the matter of demonstrating control of the ball. Personally, I see little difference between the two in definition.