Baseball Catching Rules: Is a Dropped Ball Still Legal?

Question
our outfielder caught a ball diving and slid to complete stop (no runners on).  As he stood up the ball dropped out of his glove.  Is that still a legal catch or does he need to be reaching for the ball when it falls?

Answer
Hi Chas,


A legal catch happens when the fielder holds the ball long enough to prove complete control of it and/or that the release of the ball is voluntary.

I know umpires that want a voluntary release and others that long enough-complete control is their judgement.

This is one that I would have to see (for me might be, may be, probably an out) and it could vary amoung umpires.

Mark