Baseball Rule: Is a Freehand Touch at First Base a Safe Play?

Question
If say 1st baseman dives for a ball,ball in glove he only has time to touch base with his freehand w/o ball is he out? I immediately thought that he is safe but what makes that different than touching first base with your foot on a routine play. Maybe a stupid ? But you gotta ask sometimes. thanks

Answer
Hi Jimmy,

There is no difference.  The rule only requires contact with the base while in legal possession of the ball.

In a similar question I answered I had a SS in a tournament field a ground ball and trip and fall while on his way to 2nd for a force.  He (on purpose) then rolled 3-4 times until he rolled over 2nd base.  We had an out

Mark