Legal posseion of the ball for an out?

[PSUchem]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I disagree that the situations (1 and 4) are the same, since your ability to clearly see the ball and the player's control (or not) of it differ significantly ).

In #1, if I can clearly determine control before the runner reaches the base, fine, OUT. However, if there is a question in my mind, SAFE.

With #4, unless I see leather between the ball and the ground (which I would not be able to do if the pocket or "palm" of the glove is down), I would rule SAFE unless the glove is lifted before the runner reaches the base.

But, that's just me.

And I think this is the general convention, but this is probably part of the misconception.
I agree with Bretman's interpretation on all situations. The lifting of the glove/hand off of the ground before a runner reaches the base should not be a consideration. The only consideration is control. If the fielder can show me that he/she had control (even if the ball is on the ground in a bare hand or hidden by a glove turned upside-down when the runner arrives) by lifting their hand or glove off the ground without readjusting for better grip, then I have an out regardless of when the runner passed the base.