if a outfielder catches a fly ball with his hat // out or
triple

Neither. Three base award (assuming it was intentional), but the ball stays live and the batter can try for home at his own risk.

NFHS rule 8-3-4.

By rule, it's NOT a catch.

What would be the proper way to call that play? Would you wait until play ceases and then award accordingly? What about hand or verbal signals? Thanks!!

Give the safe sign, say, "No Catch -- displaced equipment". hold out the delayed dead ball signal (FED) and watch the fun.

And remember, in FED, if each runner advances to or beyond the base he would have been awarded, the infraction is ignored.

That's the rule under all codes

But we were talking FED, weren't we? I thought I was being specific to the question. I can't figure out if I need to be more or less specific. Second time today.

Maybe another cup of coffee would help.

I'd use that signal, but then I'd have to go all pro wrestling and start clotheslining everyone in sight.

Actually, I'll just point like I do in OBR games.

Actually we have a lot of our coaches in FED who recognize the delayed dead ball signal even though many say its kind of wierd etc.,

Several times as PU I've used it at 3rd and the coach knew that we had a delayed dead ball.

Now on the bases, I don't use it because usually you are moving to get in position to make the next call etc., and as you stated its kind of hard to run with your arm out (g)

But as long as we get the call right, coaches for sure do not care which signal we use.

Thanks
David