legal catch?
Question
our outfielder caught a ball diving and slid to complete stop (no runners on). As he stood up the ball dropped out of his glove. Is that still a legal catch or does he need to be reaching for the ball when it falls?
Answer
Hi Chas,
A legal catch happens when the fielder holds the ball long enough to prove complete control of it and/or that the release of the ball is voluntary.
I know umpires that want a voluntary release and others that long enough-complete control is their judgement.
This is one that I would have to see (for me might be, may be, probably an out) and it could vary amoung umpires.
Mark
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