Dropped third strike

[Ump29]

Probably they argue that BR is not forced to run. But he better or be called for third out on strikes !!

[RPatrino]

The fact that a runner doesn't choose to advance doesn't remove the 'force' out situation. You could have a double play turned and every runner be standing still.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

The fact that a runner doesn't choose to advance doesn't remove the 'force' out situation. You could have a double play turned and every runner be standing still.

No, you couldn't have a double play turned. The runners are only forced to advance when 2 are out, which precludes any thoughts of double play.

[RPatrino]

I was speaking of a regular double play situation, not related to the OP.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Oh, I got it now. Thanks for the 411.

[celebur]

Originally Posted by Ump29

The other opinion I have heard is that it is not a force play. I do not go with this opinion. Force play only but have heard otherwise.

Then ask such people what happens if F2 doesn't play on the BR and BR successfully runs to 1B. What now?

[bluezebra]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Not only can the catcher just touch home plate, he can also throw to 2nd or 3rd if he wants to. Whatever is easier for him. It's just like any other force play.

What would be easier than stepping on home plate? Seems to me that throwing to any base would possibly cause a problem; i.e. wild throw, mishandled catch.

Bob

[njdevs00cup]

Originally Posted by Ump29

I have had various opinions on this .
Situation - 2 out. bases loaded. dropped third strike on batter.
Can the catcher after retriving the ball just touch home for out (forced play)
or must he throw to first for out (or tag batter/runner) ?

Yes, as everyone who responded, he can touch home. Make sure you watch the play closely, because some times the catcher attempts to throw down and without meaning to do so, steps on home plate with the ball.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by bluezebra

What would be easier than stepping on home plate? Seems to me that throwing to any base would possibly cause a problem; i.e. wild throw, mishandled catch.

Bob

I did not mean to infer that anything would be easier than stepping on the plate. I was merely illustrating the force at any base opportunity. Like say the 3rd strike bounced away from the catcher, R3 was running on the pitch, touched home before F2 can return to touch home, but F2 sees that R2 fell asleep and did not run, so he throws to 3rd for the out. This way, he prevents R3's run from counting.