Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/24/2009

Question
my friends and i have been arguing over a possible event nvolving an outfielder ''robbing'' a batter of their home run. if the outfielder scales the wall, catches the fair ball, and proceeds himself over the fence in possession of the ball, is it an out? remember the feilder remains in possession while in the stands and returns to the feild with possession. so is it an out, an advance of two bases, or a home run?

Answer
Hubcap,

As long as the fielder is in the field of play when starting to catch the ball, the play is legal.  So, if a player jumps and then catches the ball before falling out of play, then the catch is good and the out counts.  If they jump the fence, hit the ground out of play, then catch the ball, then the catch is no good.

Hope this helps!

Brian