[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by budjones05

I'm working the plate. We have one out and runners on 1st and 2nd. Strike 3 is called, but the ball is dropped. I scream strike 3, the batters out. The runner takes off for 1st and I still scream BATTER is out. Coach calls time and ask's why his runner can't run to 1st. I told him that he is struck out. He ask me why, can he run if the catcher drops the ball on the 3rd strike. I said yes he can, but if they are 1 out or less and 1st base is covered, the batter is automaticly out. He then told me that he coaches his players to run down on a drop 3rd strike. I told him that I don't know how its coach, but how it's umpired, we called the batter out. Question, Should I tell everyone that the batter is out or should I let everyone figure that one out?

I believe this is in the FED rule book to announce the batters out. I wouldn't scream it, however. If batter runs and runners advance it isn't against the rules. Just make sure you take batter off the base if he acquires a base. I'm sure the coach is okay if his runner is forced at a base in the same situation.