Dropped third......

[DaveASA/FED]

I would say "that was strike three" and see what happens, she will either run or head to the dugout. Technically the batter is not out until they enter dead ball territory so your call was not by rule correct.

[AtlUmpSteve]

I'm treating that about the same as a ball pitched and hit fair after "illegal pitch" is called, and no one reacts. Do not allow another pitch, do not call time, do not make any ruling. It a live ball, and someone needs to make a play for the status to change.

[BlueDevilRef]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

I would say "that was strike three" and see what happens, she will either run or head to the dugout. Technically the batter is not out until they enter dead ball territory so your call was not by rule correct.

Of course I know that but what's a guy to do? Batter was taking a batting stance and pitcher appeared ready to throw another pitch.......I knew it wasn't really supported by rule but couldn't think of anything else to do at the time. But I will use your suggestion of stating (loudly) "that was strike three". Hopefully that would get the action moving.

It was a very strange moment. Literally the only people who knew what was going on were me and my partner. And it's not like it was a mystery. She swung big time and the count had been announced and was in the board. Very odd.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by BlueDevilRef

Of course I know that but what's a guy to do? .

Say "Strike Three". Stand off to the side watching. Not like the inning was over, but as in watching a play.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Say "Strike Three". Stand off to the side watching. Not like the inning was over, but as in watching a play.

^^^This....

Standing off to the side along the third base line with your mask off will eventually allow somebody to figure out that there is still a play in progress.

I can't say I have ever had this happen with a D3K, but I have had it plenty of time when I have called Ball 4 and the batter stays in the box.

If it's a timed game...even better...

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by Andy

^^^This....

Standing off to the side along the third base line with your mask off will eventually allow somebody to figure out that there is still a play in progress.

I can't say I have ever had this happen with a D3K, but I have had it plenty of time when I have called Ball 4 and the batter stays in the box.

If it's a timed game...even better...

Had this happen Thursday this week in a HS varsity game, Andy. Batter swings at a ball low and in the dirt for strike 3. I signal with the hammer and say "Three" as well as give the safe-sign indicating a D3K (NCAA mechanic, oops!). The batter-runner takes off for 1B, and F2 throws down to F3. F3 is nowhere near the bag, and she continues taking the ball around the horn.

The BR reaches 1B, overruns.....and jogs to the dugout. I stood and watched. Nobody on either team says anything. The ball is still going around when the BR enters the dugout. I called a dead ball, pointed at the dugout, and said "The batter is out."

Do coaches teach the runners to run on all third strikes, rather than teach them why?

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by teebob21

Had this happen Thursday this week in a HS varsity game, Andy. Batter swings at a ball low and in the dirt for strike 3. I signal with the hammer and say "Three" as well as give the safe-sign indicating a D3K (NCAA mechanic, oops!). The batter-runner takes off for 1B, and F2 throws down to F3. F3 is nowhere near the bag, and she continues taking the ball around the horn.

The BR reaches 1B, overruns.....and jogs to the dugout. I stood and watched. Nobody on either team says anything. The ball is still going around when the BR enters the dugout. I called a dead ball, pointed at the dugout, and said "The batter is out."

Do coaches teach the runners to run on all third strikes, rather than teach them why?

Why dead ball?

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Why dead ball?

Preventative umpiring, I suppose. There were no other runners and I needed to sweep the plate.

I could have written that a little differently. I know that the runner entering dead-ball territory does not kill the play in Fed ball but since our only runner was now out...all possible plays had ended.