Lodged Pitch or Not?

[johnnyg08]

 

[grayhawk]

Man, that's a tough one. Part of the ball does go behind the catcher's chest protector, but not the whole ball. However, it does "stick" there for a moment and he has to go up and grab it. I would have to say that yes, it did become lodged. I doubt I would be able to make that call from 100 feet away, however.

[Velho]

What did they end up ruling?

[grayhawk]

1 hour ago, Velho said:

What did they end up ruling?

They ruled that it wasn't lodged. It's not a reviewable play.

[johnnyg08]

3 hours ago, grayhawk said:

Man, that's a tough one. Part of the ball does go behind the catcher's chest protector, but not the whole ball. However, it does "stick" there for a moment and he has to go up and grab it. I would have to say that yes, it did become lodged. I doubt I would be able to make that call from 100 feet away, however.

Agree. Upon review....I think it's pretty clear that it's lodged. A bit harder in real time. It happens fast and you only have one look. 

[The Man in Blue]

That’s a stinker … no harm, no foul, let it go.

Yes, technically yes.

[maven]

If we can't call it in real time, it's not lodged. 

What's the rationale for the lodged ball rule? It's actually to protect the defense. Don't punish them by overzealously calling it lodged.