Whats the call?

[boss21]

Can a catcher trap the thrid strike on his equipment, such as an shin guard? If so what is the proper mechanics.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by boss21

Can a catcher trap the thrid strike on his equipment, such as an shin guard? If so what is the proper mechanics.

It depends on what you mean by "trap."

1. If the pitch comes in and F2 traps it, say, between his arm and shin guard before the ball hits the ground, that is NOT a catch (see 2.00 CATCH). The proper mechanic is to wait and see what happens next: he will either secure possession of the ball with his hand or glove, which will THEN be a catch (the batter is now out), or the ball will drop to the ground (signal and verbalize "no catch!").

2. If the ball becomes lodged in the shin guard (is that possible?) that would be an infraction (6.05(b) Comment). Award the BR 1B and other runners 1 base from TOP.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by boss21

Can a catcher trap the thrid strike on his equipment, such as an shin guard? If so what is the proper mechanics.

Yes - but it doesn't mean anything.

If the ball hit the ground he must get an out on someone in some other way (tag the batter, throw him out at first, get another runner out).

If the ball was tipped and it did not hit his hand or glove first it's a foul ball.

If the ball was either still in flight, or had been tipped and hit his hand or glove first, then the batter is not out until the catcher secures the ball in his hand or glove.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by mbyron

It depends on what you mean by "trap."

1. If the pitch comes in, bounces first off the mitt into the air (hitting the mitt first is required by rule)

Huh? Are you confusing the foul tip rule and the uncaught third strike rule?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Huh? Are you confusing the foul tip rule and the uncaught third strike rule?

Yep. Good catch. I had written it correctly the first time, then went back and added the parenthetical remark. Too much going on here today...