Force or Time Play??

[U_of_I_Blue]

that if I remember correctly, on strike three, the batter automatically is considered a batter-runner. If the third strike is not caught, he's free to try for first. If the third strike is caught, the instant after he becomes a batter-runner he is out. Therefore, runner does not score as batter runner did not obtain first base in this case.

In the old days, a batter used to be able to try for first on any third strike. However, the powers that be realized that very, very few, if any, batters could obtain first on a third strike that had been caught, after the catchers moved to the current position they are now with the advent of the protective gear. So they decided it was simpler to just declare the batter (batter-runner now that the third strike has been called) out if the third strike is caught. I'm pretty sure i'm right on with this post, if I'm not, I'm sure I'll be informed by our resident experts.