Quote:
Originally posted by Gre144
If the ball hits the batter and a strike is called because he swings at it or it crosses the strike zone, is the ball always dead? What if you have strike 3 on the batter, but the ball hits him and the catcher doesn't catch the ball? If you kill it,then how can the batter-runner attempt to run to first base which he is allowed to do on a dropped thrid strike with first base unoccupied and less then 2 outs?
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This is precisely WHY we kill it. On the play, batter swings, misses and the ball deflects off his knee, to the backstop. R3 scores.
Now, how do we justify R3 scoring on a play that the catcher had no chance to field?
Don't think too much about the effect on the offense. It is the OFFENSIVE player who missed the pitch and got hit! Simple play, dead ball. Remember on ANY PITCH THAT HITS THE BATTER, THE BALL IS DEAD (OBR).
Blaine