I can't find anything to say this is not a catch but the umpired ruled a trapped ball and awared the person 1st base. This is in an ASA coed league although I wouldn't think league would matter for the definition of a catch.

Situation. Ball hit to short outfield, outfielder dives for ball and the ball hits his glove and starts to roll out. While sliding on the ground, outfielder uses hand and glove to hold ball against chest. Once coming to rest, grabs ball in bare hand and holds up for umpire to see. BU calls an out and opposing team asks for an appeal claiming ball hit the ground. PU umpire gets explanation from BU and awards first base. Explanation is that it was a trapped ball since it was held against the chest. Both umpires agree the ball never touched the ground.

From all definitions I can find this should have been considered a catch and the batter would be out. Am I nuts?

If everything is as you described you are not nuts they are. As long as the ball doesn't touch anything but a defensive player and control is gained in the glove or hand it is a catch.

Thanks for the reply. It is as described. I was so dumbfounded by the call as I've never seen or heard of anything in all my years. It seemed so out there, I was almost afraid to argue with him.

Defensive player or players!

As to the sanity question, they are not, you might be for not re-appealing (of course, never argue). ;)