out or hit?

Question
QUESTION: little league game. batter hits hot line drive to third. third baseman "catches" it
but ball is hit so hard the glove comes off his hand and lands on ground, ball
stays in glove. I say it is an out, but the rulling was a hit. who is correct?

ANSWER: Barry,

This is ruled as a hit.  There is not a catch made if the glove becomes free of the hand.

Hope this helps!

Brian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: can you (please) cite what rule is used for this? thanks :)

Answer
Barry,

Sure; this is in section 2.0 and is the definition of a catch:

A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player, or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by another defensive player. If the fielder has made the catch and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught. In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional.
Rule 2.00 (Catch) Comment: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground. No interference should be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk.

To me, the critical part of this is this "In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional."  Given that the player's glove fell off with the ball in it, there is no way this condition was met.  The player never had complete control of the ball.

Hope this helps!

Brian