Runner catches throw

[Carl Childress]

I'm certain to get plenty of flak about this play from yesterday's select 18u tournament game:

R1 only, stealing. He beats the throw easily as the ball hits the dirt well in front of the base. But I can't find it. The runner stands up, then flips the ball to the second baseman, who throws it to the pitcher.

"Did you catch the ball?" I ask the runner. Says the fielder: "No, he just picked it up and handed it to me." Said I to the runner: "Son, don't do that." Said he: "Oh, I wouldn't do that in a real game, Carl."

I pointed to the plate umpire. He pointed to the pitcher and said "Play." Of course, the ball was still alive as far as I was concerned.

The defensive coach yelled: "I wish he was on my team!"

I'd be interested in your comments as long as they are not profane.