In this episode of That’s Strike 3, we tackle one of the most misunderstood rules in baseball: what actually constitutes a catch. Using the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rule book, we break down the criteria umpires use to determine a legal catch — including secure possession, control, and the requirement to maintain that control through contact with the ground.
From diving plays to bobbles on the transfer, we walk through common game situations that spark debate and clarify why what “looks like” a catch isn’t always ruled as one. This episode is designed for coaches, players, umpires, and fans who want a clearer, rule-based understanding of one of the game’s most argued calls.
