Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam
I saw the replay. What's the rule?
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A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of
a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or
any other part of his uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously
or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player, or with
a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling, drops the ball. It is
not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or
an umpire and then is caught by another defensive player. In establishing the validity of
the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control
of the ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. If the fielder has
made the catch and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch,
the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught.
Rule 2.00 (Catch) Comment: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even
though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases
the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, railing, rope or other line
of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground.
No interference should be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to
catch a ball. He does so at his own risk.
If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is “held up” and kept from an apparent
fall by a player or players of either team and the catch is made, it shall be allowed.