Catch (baseball)

In baseball, a catch is a legal reception of a batted, thrown, or pitched ball. A fielder establishes a catch if the ball is secured in the hand or glove or mitt, and firmly held, provided the fielder does not use their cap, protector, pocket, or any other part of their uniform in holding the ball. It is not a catch if the fielder simultaneously or immediately drops the ball after touching it.

A catch results in the batter being called out in the case of a batted ball in fair or foul territory (provided the ball has not touched the ground first). For a pitched ball, a catch by the catcher is required for a strike to be recorded (except in specific circumstances like a dropped third strike with first base unoccupied or two outs). A catch may also occur on a thrown ball, for example, between fielders attempting to retire a runner or during a pickoff attempt.

There are specific rules regarding catches near fences or in the stands. If a fielder catches a ball and in the process falls into the stands or over a fence, the catch is valid. The key factor determining a catch is secure possession of the ball. Doubt regarding possession is resolved in favor of the offensive player.