Drop 3rd w/ Runner on 1st

BlueGhost_Scout · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 03, 2002, 01:57am

Less than 2 outs, runner on 1st, anything and 2 count on the batter. Runner takes off in an obvious steal attempt. batter swings and misses (or called 3rd strike) but ball obvilusly short hopps the catchers glove. Catcher throws down to 2nd and runner is safe (or out). Is this a dropped third strike? Does the R-1 obviously leaving the base open the door for the batter-runner to take advantage of a dropped third strike?

Thom Coste · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 03, 2002, 07:22am

1) Yes, it is an uncaught third strike.

2) No, the "door is not open" for the batter to run. First base was occupied at the time of the pitch. Batter is out.

The result of the play on R1 stands.

PeteBooth · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 03, 2002, 08:24am

Originally posted by BlueGhost_Scout

Less than 2 outs, runner on 1st, anything and 2 count on the batter. Runner takes off in an obvious steal attempt. batter swings and misses (or called 3rd strike) but ball obvilusly short hopps the catchers glove. Catcher throws down to 2nd and runner is safe (or out). Is this a dropped third strike? Does the R-1 obviously leaving the base open the door for the batter-runner to take advantage of a dropped third strike?

As Thom mentioned, r1 occupied first at TOP. This is a common question that I get from coaches all the time.

An umpire can help him / herself out on the situation described by signalling and saying B1 is OUT B1 is OUT so that everyone knows.

Ball is live and the only thing we know for certain is that the batter is out. Now in a VERY RARE case, if the umpire judged that B1 was intentionally deceiving the defense by running towards first when he / she KNEW they were out, then one could rule interference, but as mentioned that is a rare case.

Pete Booth