Fence

[Tim C]

JUST KIDDING, big time.

Your example is well taken BUT to catch the ball the player had to "leave" the field. If you leave the field you would have to bring the ball back with you (i.e. Jeter, 3rd base crowd, World Series).

If you can't manage to bring the ball back you can't get the out. EVEN if it is in clear view of 18 TV cameras.

IF you allow your ruling then we have expanded the field of play.

I'll give you the "closet" example I can:

Gerald Williams playing left field for Atlanta a few years ago.

He caught a fair ball as he crossed the foul line. he ran several steps and bumped into the right field stands.

It trying to catch himself he reached out with his glove hand, Yep, the ball popped out over the fence.

Umpires ruled a Rule Book Double.

I KNOW this isn't the play but I am trying to refute your "drop the ball on the mound play".

Sorry to waste time on a total TWP and I'll leave for now. Off to JEA to see if they have a reference.