Can a fielder tag a base with the glove with the ball held in the bare hand to get a force out? Where is this rule hidden?

Paul,
Yup.....it's not really in the rules..but the definition of the "person" of a fielder...His glove is part of "the person" of a fielder like his shoes.

Hope this helps.

Will

It's not "hidden". It's common sense. If the fielder has control of the ball, he gets the out if he steps on first, or touches the base with his hand, nose, or head. Every option doesn't have to be written. The rule book would be a thousand pages long.

Bob

Paul:

To avoid confusion, if the fielder holds the ball in his bare hand, and tags the RUNNER with his glove, it's NOT an out. And vice-versa.

Bob

JEA has this to say on the subject:

<i>Rule 2.00: A TAG is the action of a fielder in touching a base with his body while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove; or touching a runner with the ball, or with his hand or glove holding the ball, while holding the ball securely and firmly in his hand or glove.

This definition originally appeared in this exact wording in the recodification of 1950.

The distinction in this definition is clear. When tagging a base, a player may use any part of his body (e.g. foot, hand, shoulder) as long as he has secure possession of the ball in his hand or glove at the time he touches the base.

When tagging a runner; a player must have secure possession of the ball in the hand which touches the runner, or, have secure possession of the ball in the glove which touches the runner.

In establishing the validity of secure possession at the time of a tag, the umpire should determine that the player held the ball long enough and did not juggle the ball or momentarily lose possession before gaining full control and touching the runner. Unlike a catch, a legal tag is based on the status of the ball at the time the runner or base is touched and not on the final proof of possession.</i>

As you know, OBR #2 does not include a definition for BODY. JEA doesn't really clarify that. J/R does. They say that the tag of a base can be made by the "PERSON". OBR #2 interprets the "PERSON" to be the body, uniform and properly worn equipment.

J/R does not agree with JEA as to the tag. I will take from your post what JEA says about that.

"Unlike a catch, a legal tag is based on the status of the ball at the time the runner or base is touched and not on the final proof of possession".

J/R extends the definition of CATCH to their interpretation of TAG and includes proof of final posession. I.E. Intentional and voluntary release. Take your pick. G.


[Edited by Gee on May 8th, 2001 at 10:07 AM]