Caught Foul Ball off of Equipment

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Not a catch means not a catch. It means it becomes an uncaught foul. The part of Tim's post that is in bold explains it for any part of the definition of a catch.

Had several buddies working on this yesterday during a break in games; we all agreed that NFHS clearly states a foul ball off of the catcher is dead immediately. But none of us could find a specific rule reference in ORB that said the same thing. We agreed to fall back on the definition of a catch, as cited by Tim, even though this clause is only listed under the definition of a caught foul tip - which is not the sitch I had. Just wish ORB would be just as plain as NFHS.

[bluezebra]

Pop foul. Catcher drifts under ball. Ball bounces off his mitt, but he catches the rebound.

What's the call? FOUL BALL? CATCH ?

Bob

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by bluezebra

Pop foul. Catcher drifts under ball. Ball bounces off his mitt, but he catches the rebound.

What's the call? FOUL BALL? CATCH ?

Bob

It is a catch by definition. A sharp, direct foul off the mask that doesn't first touch the catcher's mitt is NOT a catch by definition.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

YGBSM.

Does OBR define a foul ball?

Does OBR describe "dead" balls?

Does 1 + 1 = 2?

I'm sure Bluezebra is asking "why" one (the OP) would be a foul ball and another (his play) would be a caught fly and an out. After all, they are both batted balls deflecting off a defensive player and then being "caught."

Just because that's the way it is is the answer.