ball out of play

[Guest Terry H]

If there is a  runner on third base and less than two outs, and a ball is popped up down the third base line. If the third baseman catches the popup then steps down into the dugout.  Is the ball then out of play and the runner on third awarded home? 

[Senor Azul]

2019 OBR rule 5.06(b)(3) Each runner, other than the batter, may without liability to be put out, advance one base when:

(C) A fielder, after catching a fly ball, steps or falls into any out-of-play area;

Rule 5.06(b)(3)(C) Comment: If a fielder, after having made a legal catch, should step or fall into any out-of-play area, the ball is dead and each runner shall advance one base, without liability to be put out, from his last legally touched base at the time the fielder entered such out-of-play area.

2019 OBR rule 5.12(b) The ball becomes dead when an umpire calls “Time.” The umpire-in-chief shall call “Time:

(6) When a fielder, after catching a fly ball, steps or falls into any out-of-play area. All other runners shall advance one base, without liability to be put out, from his last legally touched base at the time the fielder entered such out-of-play area.

From umpirebible.com--

In 2016 MLB revised Rule 5.06(b)(3)(C) (including the Comment) to remove the opportunity for a player to "catch-and-carry" the ball into dead-ball territory. The rule formerly allowed a player who made a catch on the run in fair territory, but whose momentum then carried him into dead-ball territory, to have a legal catch and then throw the ball back into play, so long as the player did not fall in dead-ball territory. This is no longer the case. The rule now states that any player who "after having made a legal catch, should step or fall into any out-of-play area, the ball is dead ...." There is a one-base award for all runners on base, although the batter is out on the catch (if made while the fielder is still in fair territory).

So long as the fielder has a legal catch before stepping or falling into dead-ball territory, the catch is good and the out stands. If, on the other hand, one or both feet are out-of-play when the ball is secured, this is not a catch (just a foul ball). It would also not be a catch if both feet are off the ground while leaning over a fence or other barrier while reaching into out-of-play territory while attempting the catch.

[noumpere]

Yes.

[Aging_Arbiter]

On ‎4‎/‎12‎/‎2020 at 7:43 AM, noumpere said:

Yes.

Nice summary.

[UMP45]

Don't forget in NFHS BOTH feet must be in dead ball territory for it to be ruled a dead ball.