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Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
Two points I want to make.
First, we have all made this mistake, or did a sell strike three on strike two, or similar. It points out that we failed to concentrate and lost track of the situation; happens to anyone who ever called a game. I don't think we should use that to justify not using required mechanics; we should use that to help remind ourselves that we must concentrate and keep the game situation constantly in our mind. Just as the athletes play just like they practice, umpires need to use all games working the mecahnics the same as the big championship game.
Second, I wouldn't have raised the point when it happened, either. But, I would remind the coaches later in the game about that situation, and that the ball was live. The memory of the coaches wouldn't include what mechanic you used, so you could slide over your part; but, failing to make mention puts you in the category of "the other umpire" who told them the BR is out if first is occupied with 2 outs. You leave it for others to pay your penalty if you don't help educate the younger teams.
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Do mechanics require that the batter be called out on a dropped third strike when the rule applies, or is simply calling strike three sufficient?
I do remind the coaches of younger teams of the "1B occupied and less than 2 outs" rule and encourage them to communicate with their catchers.