[UmpJM]

bainsey,

You don't understand the history of the game and its rules.

From the JEA discussion of 6.09(b):

Historical Notes: Under the original Major League Code (1876), a batsman who struck at and missed a third
strike OR failed to strike at a good ball for the called third strike was obligated to run to first base "... as in the case
of hitting a fair ball."

The Rules of 1887 specified that the batsman became a base runner "... instantly after four strikes have been
declared by the umpire." This four strike provision lasted only one year.

As late as the 1940's, the batter was entitled to advance (with liability) after three strikes had been called by
the umpire. By the time of the recodification in 1950, a provision had been added that stipulated that the batter
could advance (with liability) after three strikes had been called when the third strike was not caught unless there
is a runner on first base with not more than one out.

Essentially, this changed the previous rule in two ways: (1) The batter could legally advance as a runner only
if the third strike was NOT caught; and (2) The batter was not permitted to advance if first base was occupied with
less than two outs.

In 1956, the wording was simplified to its present form.

JM