Catch/No Catch
 

FED RULES

2.9.1 SITUATION C: B1 hits a fly to F8. F8 gets the ball in his hands but it is dropped (a) when he falls to the ground and rolls over; or (b) when he collides with a fielder or a wall; or (c) when he starts to throw to the infield. RULING: In (a) and (b), it is not a catch. In (c), it is a legal catch if an umpire rules the that the ball was dropped as the fielder voluntarily removed the ball from the glove.

I had a situation today where F8 slid and made a great catch. As he was rolling over and coming to his feet in one motion, he went to reach for the ball in his glove. Before his hand got there, the ball fell to the ground. This happened with two outs and no one on. I called no catch. My question did I make the right call or should I have let it go let?

I had one where the batter hit a screaming line drive right back at the pitcher's head - 2 outs & runners on 1st & 3rd. In self-defense, the pitcher managed to get his glove up and glove the ball cleanly. He held it for a fraction of a second and then opened his glove and let the ball fall to the mound and started walking towards his dugout. I ruled it a catch. Should I have, or should I have ruled it no catch?

JM

Sounds like fielder demonstrated control and intentional release. Third out - switch sides.

umpire judgment
Iam behind you 100%, good call partner

It sounds like both players showed control of the ball. HTBT on either one.

The way Coach describes his, I can't argue it - Sounds like control, I don't need the ball, DAMN that was close, I need to sit down.

Steven, I can't answer your question with confidence. Truly HTBT. I think you would have been justified calling it either way.

You were correct as F8 did not demonstrate control because the ball fell out of the glove.

By opening his glove, dropping the ball and walking away, F1 was showing control and an unmistakable voluntary release. You were correct in your ruling.

1. Safe.
2. Out.

No doubt with JM's call and I wouldn't question Steven's call. Sell it, baby.

I agree with this completely

Thanks
David

Your answer is in your own description. Saying "the ball fell to the ground," describes an unintentional accidental release. It sounds like the fielder was not in complete control of his body, and thus the ball. No catch.

Your answer is in your own description. You wrote, "He held it . . . then opened his glove and let the ball fall to the mound." That sounds like the pitcher was in complete control of his actions and "let the ball fall," sounds like intentional release. That's a catch!

I has seen pitchers do this several times. It looks very cool!