dropped 3rd strike mechanics

[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by YoungRighty
Let me restate my question using an example:

...[snip]...

What should the catcher be looking for in my example? If I judge that the pitch has bounced before he caught it, how do I indicate that fact? If I judge that the pitch was caught, how do I let him know that?

I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with Rich and nine01c on this occasion.

At all levels it is NOT the umpire's job to inform the catcher that a batter is out. Even the rules recognize that the runner advancing to 1st when he is not entitled to do so is not, in and of itself, an act of interference. Catcher's are expected to know the state of game play.

What should the catcher be looking for in your example? He should be looking for a runner on 1st base with less than 2 outs! That will tell him that the play is going to be at some other base unless he decides to try for a pick off. AND he should know all of that before the pitch is delivered, not after it hits the dirt.

The only time I will declare "The batter is OUT" in similar circumstances is when the batter apparently thinks he's entitled to the base. THEN I will direct him to the dugout with that call AFTER any other action on the play is over.

Hope this helps

Cheers