Baseball Rule: Out on a Catch After Dropping the Ball - Explanation

Question
If the firstbaseman catches a thrown ball in her glove before the runner tags the base, the umpire calls the runner out, then the firstbaseman drops the ball. Is the call reversed or not?

Answer
Hi Michelle,

A legal catch is determined if the fielder holds the ball long enough to prove control of it and/or the release of the ball is voluntary.  In your case it seems the umpire judged that f3 had control long enough.  Without seeing the play that's all I can do for you.

mark