History of dropped third strike rule

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by spillguy
Some time ago there was a post that decribed the history behind the dropped-third-strike rule. It was very interesting and enlightening. I can't remember which board it was on (this or McGriffs). I would appreciate a repost, point to post #, or website that has the information.

Thanks in advance.

As Gee points out, originally the batter could run after every third (or, more accurately, last) out. Since the catcher played well behind the batter in these days, the out was not "automatic."

As catcher's moved up and the out's became routine (at the level of play the rules were written for), the batter became out when the pitch was caught.

Smart catchers realized that they could "not catch" a pitch in certain circumstances and get a DP. So, now the batter can only run when a DP is not possible.