Dealing with the Dropped Third Strike Rule

By Ray Dunn

 

            Ah yes, the dropped third strike rule.  For those players coming up to the junior level of play, this is the rule that marks the entry into “true” baseball.  As a junior or senior level umpire, you must have a full understanding of this rule in order to keep the game under control.  Every player and manger also must know what the rule is and how to deal with it when the game situation presents itself.  It can make a game or break game.

 

            The rule is one of the oldest in baseball.  It came about out of a bygone era of play when catchers did not wear any protective gear and therefore stood some seven to eight feet behind the plate (which was square at the time, but that’s a different story).  As you can imagine the ball often bounced before the catcher caught it.  According to the rules, then AND now, the batter is out "on strikes" ONLY when the third strike is legally caught by the catcher.  In the good old days, the bounce was considered a legal catch.  If the catcher dropped the ball on the third strike or it got by him, the batter was entitled to attempt to advance to first base.  As the game grew up, catcher’s equipment developed and the catcher could move closer to the plate (where he is today).  This required the rule to disregard a bounced ball as a legal catch and the modern “dropped third strike” rule was born.   Think about it a moment; when you watch a game, this is why a catcher will always tag the batter on a third strike that bounces.  A bounced ball is not a legally caught (in flight) ball, the same way that a ground ball to the shortstop requires a throw to first!  The rule should really be called the “third strike not caught rule.”

 

            Hopefully, I have explained what is behind the rule; now let’s take a crack at its application.  Here is the rule:

 

Section 6:        The Batter

6.05     The batter is out when:

(B)       (Junior/Senior/Big League) (1) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher; (2) A third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two are out. 

"Legally caught" means in the catcher's glove before the ball touches the ground. It is not legal if the ball lodges in his clothing or paraphernalia; or if it touches the umpire and is caught by the catcher on the rebound. If a foul tip first strikes the catcher's glove and then goes on through and is caught by both hands against his body or protector, before the ball touches the ground, it is a strike, and if third strike, batter is out. If smothered against his body or protector, it is a catch provided the ball struck the catcher's glove or hand first. 

 

            Notice that is does not say if the catcher drops the ball.  It states legally/not caught. So, we now know that, contrary to popular opinion, a batter is not out on a third strike - they must be put out.     In flight means directly from the pitcher to the catcher; that low pitch in the dirt that the catcher short-hops cleanly is NOT in-flight. So - if the ball touches the ground, or the catcher drops the ball, or misses it totally the batter has not been put out (though he now has 3 strikes on him). Get it?

            It seems (to me anyway) that the easiest way to get the out is for the catcher to catch the third strike in flight.  Then the batter is out an instant after the 3rd strike.  But there are other options if the ball is not caught legally;   The catcher can tag him with the ball, throw up to first base and have a tag of first base, or he leaves the field of play.  Here is what the rule says about that;  When a batter becomes a base runner on a third strike not caught by the catcher and starts for the dugout, or his position, and then realizes his situation and attempts then to reach first base, he is not out unless he or first base is tagged before he reaches first base.  If, however, he actually reaches the dugout or a dead ball area, he may not then attempt to go to first base and shall be declared out.   Many umpires (too many in my opinion!) will call a batter out on a dropped third strike when he walks away from home, claiming that he gave up or my favorite “abandoned their at bat”.  Absolutely wrong!   Until he goes through that opening in the fence he can "wake up" and sprint to first base.  MANAGERS: Teach your catchers to tag that batter where ever he is, get it to first or hold on to the ball until the batter leaves the field.


            Let’s look at that last confusing bit in rule “when first base is occupied before two are out”.  If that wasn’t in the rule, then, on a dropped third strike, the batter would be forcing a runner already on first base to second.  That would give the defense an unfair advantage to get two outs (throw to second base, relay to first base) when they only deserved one out (the strike-out). (Imagine that the bases are loaded, runners not running, catcher deliberately drops 3rd strike, steps on home, throws to third, relay to second. 3 outs!)  So, if a runner is on 1B, AND THERE ARE LESS THAN TWO OUTS, the batter is automatically out on the 3rd strike - caught or un-caught - so that the runner is not forced to advance.  Make sure your catchers and your fields know that the runner on third can attempt to come home when your catcher throws to first to attempt to retire the batter.  As an umpire, it is important not to verbalize “the batter is out” until well…the batter is out.  Picture you have one out man on third and the pitcher lays in a beautiful curve ball that catches the batter swinging the ball as it bounces on the plate … you yell “Strike three, the batter is out… the runner takes off, the catcher throws the ball into right field, the runner scores … oh baby, here comes the defensive manager wanting to know what just happened because YOU said the batter was out!...  In this case, a simple “strike three!” is the call and then you wait until the batter is put out.  

 

            Finally, if there are two outs, there is no point to a double play, but they still have to put out the batter.  Now, here is a little fun.  All applicable force plays are in play with 2 outs with the dropped third strike rule.  An example;  runners on 1st and 2nd, the ball gets away from the catcher.  The catcher can get the third out by tagging the runner, throwing the ball to first OR throwing the ball to third for the force.  Just one more to be clear … with the bases loaded and 2 outs, the catcher drops the third strike. She may tag the runner, or throw the ball to any base for the force including just stepping on the plate for the third out. 

 

            It is very important for umpires, players and managers alike to understand this rule.  I am telling you from many years of experience that it can make or break a game, even a season, if you’re not careful.  When I manage,  I have my third base coach signal my hitters to remind them that the dropped third strike rule is applicable.  The same sign is used from the dugout to remind my catchers.  In the end, the easiest thing to do is have your catchers catch the ball!  Train them to block and move.  Be alert, the way a catcher should play the game!

 

Here is a little graduation quiz:

            Bases are empty.  The count is 2 balls, 2 strikes.  The batter swings at the ball, but the ball, while in flight, strikes her arm and rolls to the backstop fence.  He runs safety to first base before the catcher can recover.  What’s the call?

 

e-mail me and I’ll give you the answer.  Poe126@aol.com