Asking to see the ball

[Jay R]

Last night, my partner (PU) had two close plays at home. Both times, he asked the catcher to show him the ball before he called the runner out. First play, no problem. On the second play, the catcher while laying on the ground tried (I think) to take the ball out of his glove to show the umpire the ball. In the process, the ball fell on the ground. My partner called the runner safe. The defensive team argued that the ball fell on the transfer.

After the game, the three of us discussed the play and none of us were certain what happened. I would assume there would have been an argument the other way too because it is hard to call the runner out at home when the ball is laying on the ground.

Here are my questions for you. Do you in these instances ask the catcher to show you the ball. Is it a good practice to do so?