From a fellow umpire

[chapmaja]

This used local league rules, but are based generally off ASA rules.

Co-Rec game. Ball is popped up. SS runs over and has he runs, his hat starts coming off. He has his hat in his non-glove hand. In attempting to make a catch, the ball bounces off this glove. He sticks his hat holding hand out and the ball bounces off the hat he is holding, then bounces back into the air where it is caught in the glove.

What is the ruling? The hat was not worn where it normally would, but at the same time was being secured. The ball simply bounced off the hat, which was held in the hand, then was secured in the glove.

My opinion was a legal catch. Since the ball was legally secured with the hand or glove, and the fielder maintained possession of the ball then later had a volunatry and intentional release as he tossed it to the pitcher.

What is the rule. Also, as a sub-question, what if the ball was caught in the hat, then grabbed out of the hat with the hand, or rolled into the glove. Would this be a legal catch or not or would the detached equipment rules apply since the ball was not caught in a piece of equipment in it's normal position (for a hat, on the head).

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

This used local league rules, but are based generally off ASA rules.

Co-Rec game. Ball is popped up. SS runs over and has he runs, his hat starts coming off. He has his hat in his non-glove hand. In attempting to make a catch, the ball bounces off this glove. He sticks his hat holding hand out and the ball bounces off the hat he is holding, then bounces back into the air where it is caught in the glove.

What is the ruling? The hat was not worn where it normally would, but at the same time was being secured. The ball simply bounced off the hat, which was held in the hand, then was secured in the glove.
My opinion was a legal catch. Since the ball was legally secured with the hand or glove, and the fielder maintained possession of the ball then later had a volunatry and intentional release as he tossed it to the pitcher.

Doesn't make any difference, the rule (8.5.F) states if the ball contacted by the hat, not just caught. The only difference in this case is if the umpire considered that the contact was intentional. As you define it, I would say yes. And when the argument comes up, "but he was reaching for it with his hand, not his hat", then the player should have dropped the hat 'cause you cannot catch the ball with the hand without releasing the hat.

What is the rule. Also, as a sub-question, what if the ball was caught in the hat, then grabbed out of the hat with the hand, or rolled into the glove. Would this be a legal catch or not or would the detached equipment rules apply since the ball was not caught in a piece of equipment in it's normal position (for a hat, on the head).

In both cases, it is a DDB and a minimum of a 3-base award from the TOP.