Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
In the FED rules, it used to be that a batter automatically became a batter-runner on the third strikes with first base empty (less than two outs) or in any situation with two outs. The batter-runner then is "put out" when the catcher catches the ball.
I don't know if it's been cleaned up since then (and I'm simply too lazy to look at the moment), but it kinda parallels this discussion.
Rich
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That's still the FED rule.
The OBR rule was changed:
1) From "become a runner on all thrird-strikes" to "become a runner on all uncaught third-strikes" becuase the catchers started wearing gloves an moving closer to the batter, so the play became "too routine" on most third-strikes.
2) From "become a runner on all uncaught third strikes" to "become a runner on uncaught third strikes if first is open or two are out" becuase catchers started purposely not catching third strikes with a runner on first to get an easy double play. IOW, the rule is put in to protect the offense, not to reward the defense -- just like the infiled fly rule.