Quote:
Originally posted by JohmPMiller
I was recently asked a question that I couldn't answer. I knew that someone here would be able to come up with the story.
Why was the dropped third strike rule made?
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In the beginning, batters could attempt for first after any third strike. Of course, the catchers played well behind the batter, so all were "dropped."
Then, the catchers got smart and started wearing protective equipment. They moved closer to the batter. Some (most) of the strikes became "caught." On these, the batter was nearly always out (that is, it was nearly impossible for the batter to make it to first before the ball when the ball was caught by the catcher). Since this was an "automatic" out, the rule was changed so that the batter couldn't try for first when the ball was caught.
So, it's not the "dropped third strike" rule that was added; it's the "caught third strike" rule that was added.
Now, as to why the rule was there in the first place, you'll have to ask Messr.s Spaulding and Doubleday.