Dropped Third Strike - Check Swing

[mbyron]

The timing of the tag does not matter. The BR is out if he's tagged, even if the appeal happens after the tag. The batter becomes a runner (and so is liable to be tagged out) after a third strike not legally caught, not after the BU rules on the half swing. So your "overthrow" is irrelevant (I assume F2 is throwing the ball around after the K).

When I'm BU, this is the situation where I will give my ruling on a half swing without being asked. I follow the Bob Jenkins school on this point, and will come up with my ruling when:

1. the batter offered
2. the PU doesn't get it immediately
3. F2 doesn't legally catch the pitch, and
4. the BR can run (2 outs or no R1)

The rationale for jumping in with this call is fairness to the BR.