Blocked View

[blueump]

FED game last night, 2 man crew, I was BU. Nobody on...Fly ball between center and right fielders. We discussed coverage in pre-game and this is my ball. I go out as the center fielder makes a "Sportscenter" laid out attempt at the catch. My last view of the ball is as it goes clearly into his glove inches off the ground. He then rolls over on top of the glove (the glove hand is under him, then on the fence side) with his body completely blocking me off from any view of the ball, glove, or hands. He stays on the ground in a fetal type position for what seems too long (but makes no motion of digging for the ball, or picking up a loose ball off the ground) then stands up and shows me the ball in his hand.

I call a catch, and the opposing coach goes nuts.

The last view I had of the ball was in the glove. I never saw the ball loose, and the player never gave any indication that he lost control of the ball. That's why I called the out.

Now this is pure individual judgement, but....is there ever a specified amount of time that goes by before you start thinking that the ball was loose, or was trapped, or do you always go by sight alone?