tagging up

Question
This happened this past weekend.  Runner on 3rd.  no outs.  fly ball to left field.  Ball hits glove.  looks like catch, but leftfielder doesnt squeze glove and ball  pops out.   Ball never hits ground and leftfielder catches the ball.   Runner is on base and tags as soon as the ball hit glove the first time.   The leftfielder throws to 3rd and team argues baserunner left early.  She left on the first contact with the glove.  She was on her way home when ball was completely secured.

Is runner out?  

This to me is tough call.  A fielder could almost do this on purpose

Answer
Hi kit,

This is an easy call.  The runner is not out, a runner can legally leave the base on what will be a legally caught fly ball when any defensive player 1st touches it.

IE a high line drive deflects off F6's glove and carries into left field where F7 catches it.  The runner can leave as soon as F6 touches the ball.

mark