Third Strike "Legally Caught"

[UmpJM]

JPaco45,

If the tipped ball deflects off the catcher's hand or mitt (i.e. not a "clean catch") but he is ultimately able to gain secure possession in his hand or glove before the ball touches the ground (or anyone/anything else) it is a legal catch and a foul tip - despite any interim "bobbling" of the ball.

If it goes straight through to his chest/knee/mask whatever without touching his hand or mitt, it is not a catch (nor a foul tip) even if he does gain secure possession in his hand or glove before the ball touches anything.

It is simply an "uncaught foul".

JM