OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES

Rule 5.09fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or anumpire and then is caught by another defensive player. In establishingthe validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball longenough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that hisrelease of the ball is voluntary and intentional. If the fielder hasmade the catch and drops the ball while in the act of making athrow following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have beencaught.Catch Comment: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held byany fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielderbefore it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases theinstant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reachover a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to makea catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may bein foul ground. No interference should be allowed when afielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand tocatch a ball. He does so at his own risk.If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is“held up” and kept from an apparent fall by a player or playersof either team and the catch is made, it shall be allowed.(2) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher;Rule 5.09(a)(2) Comment (Rule 6.05(b) Comment): “Legallycaught” means in the catcher’s glove before the ball touchesthe ground. It is not legal if the ball lodges in his clothing orparaphernalia; or if it touches the umpire and is caught by thecatcher on the rebound.If a foul tip first strikes the catcher’s glove and then goes onthrough and is caught by both hands against his body or protector,before the ball touches the ground, it is a strike, and if thirdstrike, batter is out. If smothered against his body or protector,it is a catch provided the ball struck the catcher’s glove or handfirst.(3) A third strike is not caught by the catcher when first baseis occupied before two are out;(4) He bunts foul on third strike;40