The Ellsbury Flip

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by umpire99

While watching the World Series, I noticed that when Jacoby Ellsbury catches a flyball he flips the ball into the air and catches it with his throwing hand. What should be the call if the fails to catch it with his throwing hand and it falls to the ground. Is this considered part of "the exchange"?

If he "catches" and then "flips", it's a catch.

If he "juggles" it's not.

On a routine play, the benefit of the doubt probably goes to the fielder -- especially in MLB and where it's the fielder's "normal" action.

On a running, over the shoulder catch, where the fielder is still regaining his balance, the benefit of the doubt goes to the offense.

[SanDiegoSteve]

The Ellsbury Flip should not be confused with the Fosbury Flop high jump technique.