MLB rules, timing of ball in glove relative to force out at base

[sharkthrower]

This is a question that seems to come up when a call is challenged on replay.  With a force out at any bag, the fielder is stretching to catch the ball while we also watch the runner make contact with the base.  I have always assumed the out is recorded if the ball touches the leather of the glove, before the runner's foot (or other body part) touches the base.  I have heard announcers say that the out is recorded if it "enters the fielders glove, prior to the runner's foot (or other body part) touches the base.  Of course we know, either way, the fielder must complete the act of catching the ball.  

Please watch this short YouTube clip.  The play in question starts at about 1-minute and 15 seconds (1:15) in.  The illustration at about 2:12 point frames my question very well.  Does the ball entering the glove constitute the point of the catch in regard to the fielder making a force out at the base (in this case, 3rd base).  Thank you...Ken 

  

[Replacematt]

MLB replay guidelines state that for purposes of replay, the moment the ball touches the glove is the moment the ball is considered in possession.

[beerguy55]

As stated, the ball touching the glove is the standard.

The other standard is there has to be enough evidence to overturn - in layman's terms...if 20 out of 20 unbiased people in the bar could see the call on the field was wrong, then overturn it.

This one is too close either way...whether it's touching the glove before the runner's foot touches the base, or before the fielder's foot comes off the base, there just isn't enough there to overturn it.   I think the fielder's foot came off the base early, but I doubt everyone would agree.

[SeeingEyeDog]

Ken, thanks for the question...

There are very few TV and radio sports announcers who understand the rules at the level the officials do. In addition to coming to this fantastic website for clarifications, I would begin any analysis of the application of the rules by disregarding what the announcers are saying. Officiating sports also requires a certain amount of judgement which everyone in the known universe can disagree with...all of which is very entertaining but typically does not lead to reversals outside of replay.

~Dawg