Dropped Third Strike

Two rules which fans are often confused about are the Dropped Third Strike and Infield Fly rules.  This entry will deal with the Dropped Third Strike and the next will explain the Infield Fly Rule.

So what is this silliness where a batter actually strikes out but can reach first base?  One of the rules in baseball is a ball must be caught to register an out.  In the case of the third strike it must be caught cleanly - not dropped and not on a bounce.  Sections 6.05 and 6.09 of the MLB rules come in to play with the Dropped Third Strike.  Here are excerpts for your reading pleasure:

6.05 A batter is out when—

(b) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher;

Rule 6.05(b) Comment: “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.

6.09 The batter becomes a runner when—

(b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is

unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out;

Rule 6.09(b) Comment: A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught,

and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle

surrounding home plate.

So here's the play.  With less than two outs and first base open or two outs and runners at any base; if strike three is not caught by the catcher the runner can take off for first.  He must be thrown out.  If the runner is safe the strikeout is still recorded but it is simply that - an occurrence in the game that is recorded (like a hit batsman) and not an event that causes an out.  Got it?

So why isn't this rule in effect for every situation and not just the ones mentioned above?  Let's look at a scenario.  Say there is a runner on first with one out.  The dropped third strike rule cannot be in effect.  Why not? Theoretically, the catcher can purposely drop the third strike and fire the ball to the second baseman for one out and back to first for an inning ending double play.  Not fair is it now?  Of course not, that's why the rule is in place.

Here is how to score the Dropped Third Strike rule (in my very own chicken scratch):

Runner out

Runner safe

Hope this was informative.  Next up - The infield fly rule.

Thanks for reading,
-Tom