Post by ADMIN on Jun 11, 2006 19:06:32 GMT -5
From the emails I have seen recently it appears that people are again investigating the nuances of the dropped third strike, in particular the issue of whether a batter is automatically out when not running to first and starting to the dugout (which drives me nuts as a coach -- but that's another issue).
Anyway, the 2005 interpretation by Bill Ehred, quoting from the High School rules, which I believe to remain in effect, is that the batter is NOT out until such time that the batter takes a step into the dugout area.
This is from Bill's email of a year ago:
Anyway, the 2005 interpretation by Bill Ehred, quoting from the High School rules, which I believe to remain in effect, is that the batter is NOT out until such time that the batter takes a step into the dugout area.
This is from Bill's email of a year ago:
[glow=red,2,300]Softball:[/glow]
Rule 8, Section 1,
Art 1 . . . A batter becomes a batter-runner with the right to attempt to score by advancing to first, second and third and then home plate in the listed order when:
b. the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground when there are fewer than two outs and first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or anytime there are two outs.
Rule 8, Section 2,
[glow=red,2,300][glow=red,2,300]The batter-runner shall be called out when[/glow][/glow]:
Art 1, . . . The catcher drops the third strike and is legally put out prior to reaching first base with two outs or less than two outs and first base is not occupied at the time of the pitch. Art 4 . . . [glow=red,2,300]The batter-runner fails to advance to first base and enters the team area after [/glow]a batted fair ball, a base on balls, a hit batter, [glow=red,2,300]a dropped third strike[/glow], or catcher obstruction.
[glow=red,2,300]Baseball:[/glow]
Rule 7 section 4 article 1 (b): a batter is out when a third strike is not caught provided a runner occupies first base and there are less than two outs. Note: If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out unless the third strike is caught. He is entitled to try to reach first base before being tagged out or thrown out.
Rule 8 section 4 , article 1 (i): [glow=red,2,300]on a dropped third strike he gives up by entering the bench or dugout area[/glow], or with two outs he does not attempt to reach first base before all infielders leave the diamond at the end of the half-inning.
So, the bottom line is that the batter is not automatically out when he/she simply make a motion to go towards the dugout.The play can go on until they are tagged or thrown out. It is obviously important that the catcher always makes the play. The incorrect call has occurred, and continues to be. Make sure your umpires are aware of this.
Rule 8, Section 1,
Art 1 . . . A batter becomes a batter-runner with the right to attempt to score by advancing to first, second and third and then home plate in the listed order when:
b. the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground when there are fewer than two outs and first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or anytime there are two outs.
Rule 8, Section 2,
[glow=red,2,300][glow=red,2,300]The batter-runner shall be called out when[/glow][/glow]:
Art 1, . . . The catcher drops the third strike and is legally put out prior to reaching first base with two outs or less than two outs and first base is not occupied at the time of the pitch. Art 4 . . . [glow=red,2,300]The batter-runner fails to advance to first base and enters the team area after [/glow]a batted fair ball, a base on balls, a hit batter, [glow=red,2,300]a dropped third strike[/glow], or catcher obstruction.
[glow=red,2,300]Baseball:[/glow]
Rule 7 section 4 article 1 (b): a batter is out when a third strike is not caught provided a runner occupies first base and there are less than two outs. Note: If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out unless the third strike is caught. He is entitled to try to reach first base before being tagged out or thrown out.
Rule 8 section 4 , article 1 (i): [glow=red,2,300]on a dropped third strike he gives up by entering the bench or dugout area[/glow], or with two outs he does not attempt to reach first base before all infielders leave the diamond at the end of the half-inning.
So, the bottom line is that the batter is not automatically out when he/she simply make a motion to go towards the dugout.The play can go on until they are tagged or thrown out. It is obviously important that the catcher always makes the play. The incorrect call has occurred, and continues to be. Make sure your umpires are aware of this.
