rulled out at first

Question
With a throw to first does the ball just have to be in the glove or must the first baseman clinch/grab the ball to show possession. In a recent mlb preseason game the replay of a challenged call showed the runner raging the base as the ball was in the glove but prior to the first baseman showing any control of the ball.

Answer
Marvin,

A 'catch' is a ball securely possessed in the hand or glove of a fielder, and that the release of the ball is intentional.  In this instance, the fielder must have secure possession of the ball.  I haven't seen the play you are referencing so its hard to determine if the out should have been recorded.

It is also a judgement decision by the umpire if the ball is caught for this purpose.  While I am still getting familiar with the MLB replay rules, by understanding would be that it would not be reviewable in regards to when possession was made.

-Martin Hoover