drop 3rd strike mechanic
 

what is the proper mechanic to indicate a dropped third strike? does this mechanic differ at any level, fed, ncaa, pro?

thanks

It doesn't differ by level as much as it differs by area.

I give my standard strike call (not standard thrid strike call), followed by the "safe" sign and a verbal "no catch" or "the ball's on the ground". The safe sign and verbal are only if there's any doubt -- if the ball goes to the backstop or something, I just give the strike signal.

I had one last night but it did not require a signal. Curve ball across front-outer half of plate, catcher lets it bounce off his mitt to the backstop. Batter-runner walks a couple of steps then on prodding from his coaches takes off in the baseline. Catcher retrieves ball rather quickly but no one to throw it to. F3 had wandered into infield grass almost to the mound oblivious to the fumbled pitch. F9 was jogging in toward his dugout and F1 standing on the mound enjoying his called K3. F4 was just standing there watching. No one to throw it to. Free trip to first base. All in the top of the first with two outs.

I agree with Bob Jenkins. Do a verbal no catch if dropped. In my case it was not dropped but deflected to the backstop.

What an auspicious start to the game. The batter-runner wound up scoring and his team run-ruled the homeboys in five.

The aformentioned is similar to calling a FOUL ball meaning if EVERONE in the park KNOWS it's FOUL no need to signal / verbalize etc. HOWEVER if it's in doubt then we signal and verbalize.

I agree with Bob. If the ball is on it's way to the backstop then no need to do anything as EVERYBODY KNOWS that the ball was uncaught but if in doubt signal and verbalize it's NO BIG deal.

FWIW while the umpire should signal / verbalize, the coaches should instruct their F2's to simply TAG the runner when it's questionable. On the flip side the OM should intsruct his batter to run to first.

Pete Booth

Do guys on here (PU's) simply tell F2 during warm up pitches "when in doubt, tag the guy" even if you think/know you caught it and it might be questionable? Unless you hear me call him out or if he's simply be out by rule Example: (R1 < 2 out)

I work a fair amount of 1 man so often times I'll tell both F2's as I'm watching the pregames...when in doubt, tag the guy...I guess I see it as being preventative since I don't have a partner in these 1 man games.

johnnyg08,

Wouldn't dream of it.

When I was coaching, that's exactly what I taught my catchers to do.

JM

wish there were more like you