Should MLB Examine and Update Catch Rule?
In a recent play, Cincinnati Reds left fielder Tyler Callihan demonstrates remarkable effort, catching a ball in fair territory before crashing into the wall and falling to the ground, causing the ball to dislodge from his glove. Per Major League Baseball’s catch rule, a fielder must hold the ball long enough to prove complete control, with any release being voluntary and intentional. Consequently, this play was ruled a no-catch. However, the ruling raises concerns among fans and experts, as it seems inconsistent to deny a catch when a fielder, after securing possession, loses the ball due to an impact with a wall or a fall. This incident highlights the need for Major League Baseball to review and potentially revise the catch rule’s wording and criteria to better reflect such scenarios.
Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh breaks down the play in this video.
Please keep it simple … keep the current rule as is. This is a relatively rare occurrence. The player must maintain possession and control of the ball, even after a collision or falling. In this case, although the player made an excellent effort, he did not maintain control and possession of the ball.
What worries me further is that the impact with the wall was such that in the slow motion you can see the deformity of his wrist with the impact. There is a rule about making a ball dead if a player is seriously injured. Due to the speed and impact angle there was a possible wrist fracture and a possibility of losing blood flow to the hand, a serious situation. The current rule in place for the catch is still at best a judgement call.
Hello Chris,
I agree that MLB should look at this rule. Although I agree with the other commenters that a player who “immediately” releases the ball upon contact with the ground or another player should be deem a no catch, that is not the case for this play. The video clearly shows control of the ball upon the catch, hitting the wall and while the player is falling to the ground. He does not release the ball until after he is on the ground and obviously hurt.
No. Absolutely not! The rule is fine and is consistent with the NFL catch rule that the receiver has to hold onto the ball through contact with the ground.
Why mess with a well defined rule? Start trying to change it and the next thing you know we’ll have wording like “Did he make a baseball move” and no one will know what a catch is.
No. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the rule. This is not a catch, and it should not be a catch.
So, a fielder dives for a ball, gloves it while in the air, and then lands on the ground and the ball comes loose. You want that to be counted as a catch? Come on, now!
Suppose two outfielders converge on a fly ball. One of them gloves it but then the two players collide and the ball pops out of the glove. You really want that to count as a catch?
Let’s stop trying to look for ways to change the game.