Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose - 8/7/2007

Question
Dr. Mark,
A real situation call at the Fast Pitch Girls Eastern Nationals U18 in York, PA 2007.
Batter had 2 strikes. The next pitch was a foul tip that was not above the batter's head.  The ball hit the catcher's glove and then her chest protector and she held on to the ball (i.e. it did not hit the ground)  The call was that it had to be a "Clean Catch, no bobble" in order for the batter to be called out.
I have never heard that ruling, can you tell me if this was correct?
After reading the ASA Rule book, I still question the ruling - would you please comment on whether you believe the call was right?

Thanks,  Tara

Answer
Hi Tara.

A foul "tip" or foul "ball" is no longer is dependant on the "above the batter's head" requirement, a foul tip is ball that goes sharply and directly to the catcher's hand or glove and is legally caught by the catcher.

You can now have a foul ball that does not go over a batter's head for an out if caught.

In this case it doesn't matter what it was because there are 2 strikes.  As long as the ball did not touch the ground and the catcher had control of the ball in her hand or glove we have an out.

Mark