abtmc writes "The dropped third strike decisions in youth baseball are driving me crazy. Here is the rule on dropped third strikes for baseball, which includes youth baseball unless your league has stated otherwise.
The dropped third strike according to MLB Rule 6.09 is actually an uncaught third strike. It has nothing to do with catcher dropping the ball.
Where did dropped third strike come from? I have no idea, but the rule actually states "The third strike called by the umpire is not caught,..."
Imagine this ..Bases loaded, 2 outs. 2 strikes on the batter. He swings and misses..the catcher misses the ball. Uncaught third strike (many call it a dropped third strike). Batter runs or not, the base is occupied. Whats the call?
The correct call is ball is live and a play needs to be made for the out.
Imagine this ..1 out, runner on first. 2 strikes on the batter. He swings , misses..uncaught third strike. Ouch! the catcher missed the ball! Batter run to first..catcher threw to second and caught the runner from first. What's the call?
Runner on second is out..batter is also out because there was less than two outs and first base was occupied.The runner on first was running at his own risk
or 1 out, runner on first, 2 strikes on the batter. He swings , misses..catcher drops the ball,catcher threw to first. Runner never moved . What's the call ? Runner is still safe , batter was out when he swung the bat and umpire called a strike.
Confusing isn't it? It really is not , uncaught third strike or dropped third strike, the rule is actually simple. Here is(as stated by MLB Rules) (which most leagues follow except for noted exceptions to ensure safety in youth baseball) the rules to dropped third strike ,especially for youth baseball because very few seem to know the rules.
Rule 6.09 The batter becomes a runner when-
(b) The third strike is CALLED by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out.
The rule explains the previous two examples. But, we will break down the third strike rule a little, especially for youth baseball coaches and parents. Simply put- Less than two outs and first base is occupied the batter is out. Any and all runners advance on their own risk. I recommend stay put
2 outs and first base is occupied(this does include bases loaded) ball is live! Batter becomes a runner! All the catcher needs to do is get the ball and touch home or throw to first to get the out. I recommend on offense..runner on first needs to be running(First Base Coach Job) and the batter needs to be running(he always should(coaches and umpires can sort out the rulings). If there is a runner on first and third with two outs and there is a dropped third strike..runner on first has got to be moving. The runner on third can play it by ear with the help of his third base coach.
I hope this helps in understanding the uncaught (dropped) third strike rule.
Summary:
Less than two outsand first base is occupied - the batter is out. Any and all runners advance on their own risk 2 outs and first base is occupied - the batter is a runner!BALL IS LIVE NO MATTER HOW MANY BASERUNNERS.
2 OUTSand first base not occupied - the batter is a runner!
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