The Ellsbury Flip
 

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"?

umpire99,

Sure looks like "voluntary and intentional release" to me. That's a catch.

JM

Out.

Yes.

Big league, middle league, little league....still an out.

Are you serious? Think about this post again if you are really an umpire! :eek:

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.

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