voluntary release

[RPatrino]

Noleump, we are missing some valuable information in your post. Was the ball dropped out of the glove after the tag was made, or was the ball dropped during the transfer of the ball to the player's throwing hand? This is important because in one case the drop was involuntary, and the other voluntary.

If the ball was 'knocked' out of the fielders glove by the impact of the tag, there is no out. If the fielder dropped the ball attempting to secure it in his throwing hand, ie. 'on the transfer', (he reached into his glove to pull out the ball and dropped it) then I have an out.

[BigUmp56]

The J/R does a nice job of explaining "tag no tag."


"Catch" and "Tag" are similar concepts. A tag occurs when the ball is live and a fielder has the ball in his hand or glove (or both) and:

a) a base is touched by his person or

b) a runner is touched by any part of the glove/ball or hand/ball combination.

Such fielder must show complete control of the ball during and after the touch, and show this control by voluntarily releasing the ball. If, during or after the touch and before voluntary release has been shown, the ball is bobbled or dropped, it is not a tag.


Tim.

[UmpJM]

Tim,

Personally, I find the JEA guidelines more consistent with the actual text and spirit of the rules & think J/R is "stretching" with the inclusion of a "voluntary release" criteria - which is clearly NOT in the text of the rules.

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.

JM

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Tim,

Personally, I find the JEA guidelines more consistent with the actual text and spirit of the rules & think J/R is "stretching" with the inclusion of a "voluntary release" criteria - which is clearly NOT in the text of the rules.
JM

You beat me to it.