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Baseball Instruction/defining possession on a force out

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Expert: - 5/14/2009


Question
We had a runner on first when a ground ball went to short, the shortsop threw it to the 2nd baseman who missed it but kept his foot on the base while palming the ball which remained on the ground to register the force out.  My question is, does the ball have to be off the ground and in his control to be considered in possession or is it good enough that he is holding it while it remains on the ground?

Answer
Mike,

This is a judgement call.  The umpire must decide whether the fielder has secure possession of the ball.  As an official, if the fielder still has the ball on the ground, then I don't feel that he has secure possession of the ball.

Once again, this is a judgement call, and goes back to what the umpire deems to be secure possession.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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