Dropped strike three

[GarthB]

Originally posted by Carbide Keyman
Just a question ? Should plate umpire indicate to the batter that on a dropped third strike he is not entitled to the run to first base if it is occupied ? I've always felt that it is not my job to instruct the batter, just make the right calls. There is no concensus among other umpires I've spoken to, some say telling batter he can't run is "preventative" umpiring, others say its coaching and not fair to either team. Thoughts ?????

I'm the forum's odd man out on this one. I call the strike if the batter was not swinging or just signal the strike if he was. If the defense doesn't know the rule or the situation and chooses to make a play, that's part of the game.

Look at this way, when first is not occupied and the batter could run but doesn't, do you help the offense by telling the batter to run? Of course not. Similarly, I see no reason to protect the defense from their own stupidity.

I should add, I don't work little boy ball. If I did, I might think differently,