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Baseball Instruction/catching a fly ball in the outfield

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Expert: - 5/26/2009


Question
If an outfielder catches a fly ball and then drops as he exchanges to his other hand to throw back to the infielders, is this still an out?

Answer
Sandra,

According to the Official Baseball Rules, "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."

In the situation you gave, I would judge that the release of the ball occurred as he was taking it out of his glove to throw it. Therefore, I would rule it a catch.

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Andrew Senger

Expertise

Anything related to baseball rules.

Experience

I am a baseball umpire. I am certified for High School (NFHS), and work in Missouri (MSHSAA). I also umpire for local leagues that use both NFHS and OBR.

Organizations
NFHS - National Federation of High Schools MSHSAA - Missouri State High School Athletic Association GSLAU - Greater St. Louis Association of Umpires

Education/Credentials
I have attended numerous training lessons on umpiring. Many of these lessons including Rules Interpretations.

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