Great catch... but would this be considered voluntary release?

[Gfoley4]

If F7 flipped the ball to F8 and F8 drops it, would it still be a catch? Obviously doesn't apply in this situation because he caught it but I thought it'd be a good discussion

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/11493214/v497849583/milchc-schwarber-lays-out-to-rob-extra-bases

[maven]

If you're posting MLB video, please post the link in addition to the embed. There's nothing in your post to watch (at least in my browser).

[Replacematt]

I don't think video is necessary to answer the question. If F7 has possession, the flip would be considered voluntary release. If not, F8 would need both possession and voluntary release for it to be a catch.

Edited September 24, 2015 by Matt

[maven]

You're OK here either way:

• If you rule voluntary release, you're not only right, but you have a catch by F7;
• If you rule it was not voluntary release, you'd still rule it a catch by F8, since he caught the ball in flight.

[Rich Ives]

You're OK here either way:

• If you rule voluntary release, you're not only right, but you have a catch by F7;
• If you rule it was not voluntary release, you'd still rule it a catch by F8, since he caught the ball in flight.

Except he said F8 dropped it.

[Jordxn]

There was a small discussion in the documentary "The Third Team" where the player asked that question to an umpire and he said basically, It becomes a judgement call of if you think it was voluntary release or not

Edited September 25, 2015 by Jordxn

[basejester]

If F8 dropped it, I would not have a catch.  Interesting question.

 

[Replacematt]

Now that the video is up, I have possession and voluntary release by F7, thus whatever F8 does is moot.

[ricka56]

F8 didn't drop the ball in the video. And even if he did drop it, I'd give him that catch.

The voluntarily released ball doesn't have to go anywhere near where you wanted it to go, the only criteria is that you voluntarily sent it.   

[JaxRolo]

I ok with a catch here. Even if F8 drops it.

[kaleb]

i’d say that it’s a catch assuming the left fielder had control before the flip. 

[dumbdumb]

is this, from 2014, the rule interpretation they use for all plays, or just the double play situation.

what is the interpretation in the outfield or other plays.

is this the same interpretation used by high school and NCAA and if so, how long has that been their interpretation.

in other words, is MLB late to the game when other organizations have been using this interpretation for years and MLB

was the only organization with a more rigid interpretation.

https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2014/04/25/mlb-clarifies-rule-on-possession/8174469007/