Foul to catcher an out?
Question
ASA Slowpitch softball. How high must a foul ball go in order to be an out when the catcher catches it?
I thought over the batter's head but last night the umpire said not true for ASA. This foul ball he called out was only 3 feet off the ground straight back to the catcher standing 4 feet behind the batter. I looked in the ASA rulebook but did not hear this scenario described.
I appreciate your help and knowledge to this question.
Answer
hi Gary,
ASA a "foul tip" goes "sharply and directly" from the bat to the catcher's hand or glove.
A "foul ball" does not go sharply and directly, (if it has a perceptible arc and/or the catcher has to move their hand or glove) it is a foul ball and if caught (height or the batter's head doesn't matter) it is an out.
mark
arguing judgement of the umpire
switching of defensive players ASA Softball