Bad timing! Right call (I think)

[wpiced]

David,

Make it easy on your self. If the ball comes loose and hits the ground, the runner is safe and the fielder did not maintain control of it. Control is an important part of any catch or in gloving a throw.

J/R, OBR, PBUC, NFHS, and all other levels of baseball agree that the only exception to the above is IF the ball is dropped while transfering the ball from the glove to the throwing had, or in throwing the ball. That would not affect the call. But you must make that decission.

At first base, or any base for that matter, after the play, simply watch the fielder for a few seconds to see what happens. Then pump the runner out. ALWAYS give the fielder time to complete his play by transfering the ball to his throwing hand. The screw up that you described will never happen again.