Clipping:At what point is a fly ball caught and a runner can tag up?
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| Date | Sunday, September 9, 1877 |
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| Text | The break-up between the Indianapolis and Star Clubs at Syracuse Tuesday was caused by the umpire’s decision on a fly ball juggled by Cuthbert. Both sides agree in saying that the runner started away from third as soon as the ball first touched Cuthbert’s hands, and before it settled in them. According to the Syracuse Courier, the umpire “considered the run legally scored, being of the opinion that once the ball touched Cuthbert’s hands, and was not dropped, the requirements of the rule had been fulfilled. The Indianapolis, not being willing to abide by this decision, refused to continue the game, and vamoosed the field.” The opinion of The Tribune having been asked on the matter, its reporter has no hesitation in saying that the decision was wrong, because based on a wrong interpretation of the rule. If the ball struck Cuthbert’s hands and bounded up, or out (and that is what is called “juggling”), then it was not “momentarily held.” It might bound up half a dozen times, either by intention or accident, and yet not be “momentarily held.” The runner had no right to leave the base until the ball had so far settled in the hands of the fielder that the catch was an accomplished fact. The following illustration will show the fallacy of the umpire’s position as he gives it above: Suppose McSorley backing up Cuthbert in this case, and then suppose that the ball bounds about twice in Cuthbert’s hands and gets away from him, but is caught by McSorley. According to the Syracuse umpire’s decision, the ball has been “momentarily held” by Cuthbert, when, in fact, it was never held at all except by McSorley. The decision which is referred to is not good. It does not, however, in the least excuse the Indianapolis Club from leaving the ground; that was an inexcusable bit of foolishness. Chicago Tribune September 9, 1877 Cincinnati Club has paid NL dues The [Cincinnati] club has paid the annual dues, pro rata, from June 1... ... The old Cincinnati lost membership in the League June 1. Boston Herald September 9, 1877 |
| Source | Chicago Tribune |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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