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On this, and other, boards, multiple versions of this play have inevitably led to someone opining that they refuse to reward the defense for failing to catch the ball. This opinion has no rules basis, since every version of softball has a rule that makes it an out (ASA 8.2-F(6), NFHS 8-2-6, NCAA 12-4-m). This simple rule makes it an out to interfere with a dropped third strike, without regard to intent, who erred, or any other consideration; if the batter-runner interferes, it is an out. No sane person could possibly conclude that kicking the ball didn't interfere.
What amazes me about the logic (?) used is that the batter erred first and foremost, by missing three strikes!! The same umpires would certainly and happily declare the batter-runner out if it was a bunt in fair territory and the batter-runner unitentionally kicked it, and on that play the batter-runner didn't even miss the ball first!!
Go figure; it's a fairly simple rule to me.
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Steve
ASA/ISF/NCAA/NFHS/PGF
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