Expert: Andrew Senger - 1/8/2010

Question
I am reading the official Cal Ripken 2009 rule book definitions and have a question about foul tips.  
The rules specify that a foul tip is "a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught."  However, it also makes another point that is somewhat confusing to me, "it is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher's glove or hand."
I know there are plenty of "baseball myths" out there regarding the rules, but I always thought that in order for a foul tip to be considered "strike three", it had to be caught cleanly (ie. no juggling between/among hands or glove).
Can you clear up this rule for me?  If a catcher secures a 3rd strike foul tip in his glove after it bounces off his hand or glove, is it an out?  Thanks.

Answer
Chris,

I do not have experience in Cal Ripkin rules, but high school rules are written the same. It's different than the Pro Rules, in which the ball has to be caught cleanly. However, in high school, as long as the ball goes directly to the glove or the hand of the catcher and is caught before hitting the ground, it is a foul tip.

I would check with your local umpire supervisor to double-check with Cal Ripkin rules.