dropped third strike

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Bainsey, are you a Little League umpire? Seems like I see the most confusion in D3K rules from those with a Little League background.

No, sir! I filled in once for a LL game a few years ago, but that's beside the point. I'm not confused by this rule. I've known it for decades.

Originally Posted by Matt

The reasoning is that the defense has to complete a play to get an out ... Without a caught third strike, the defense has not completed the play.

...unless first base is already occupied with fewer than two outs. Then the fact that the defense hasn't "completed a play" doesn't matter.

It's an inconsistent rule, and it ignores the fact that the pitcher met its defensive obligation when he earned the strike.