Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/14/2006

Question
A high fly ball is hit and the outfielder is running in an attempt to make the catch.  The outfielder is close to the ball on its descent but does not touch the ball as it hits the ground.  It was a "catchable" ball.  If an outfielder or infielder does not touch it with his body or glove and it falls in, is it ruled a hit or an error?

Answer
John,

It really is completely within the judgement of the official scorer.  There is a myth that if the fielder doesn't touch the ball, then an error can not be scored.  This is not true.

If the player using 'ordinary effort' could have made the play, then it should be ruled an error.  Those two words though mean that the scorers uses their judgement to determine if the fielder should have made the play.

Hope this helps!

Brian