defining possession on a force out

Question
We had a runner on first when a ground ball went to short, the shortsop threw it to the 2nd baseman who missed it but kept his foot on the base while palming the ball which remained on the ground to register the force out.  My question is, does the ball have to be off the ground and in his control to be considered in possession or is it good enough that he is holding it while it remains on the ground?

Answer
Mike,

This is a judgement call.  The umpire must decide whether the fielder has secure possession of the ball.  As an official, if the fielder still has the ball on the ground, then I don't feel that he has secure possession of the ball.

Once again, this is a judgement call, and goes back to what the umpire deems to be secure possession.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover