ASA Qeustion #50.

IRISHMAFIA · #33 (**permalink**) Tue Mar 09, 2004, 04:40pm

Quote:

Originally posted by Dakota

Quote:

copied from eteamzLooking through the rule book, I noticed something about the dropped 3rd strike rule that I wanted some umpires input on.

I don't have the rule in front of me, but basically the rule states that the runner is not out if the third strike is not caught by the catcher and:

1) Less than two outs and first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or
2) Two outs and first base is occupied.

When looking at the two instances, if there are two outs and first base is unoccupied, then the batter is out. I always thought the rule was with two outs, the dropped third strike was always on.

Your opinions...

Here is just one example of where editing is required (or at least would help.)

All this needs to say is...

...when first base is unoccupied or when there are two outs.

It doesn't need the 1. and the 2. with the logical hole between them!

I agree. However, unless you've been through the process, it is not that easy to understand. It is unbelieveable the number of people that have a certain thought or belief inside their head that have problems with logical assesment of a statement to the point they will accept it.

When I had my two proposed changes last year, many of the people I spoke to individually addressed understood what I was trying to do. However, there were so many that are so afraid of change or have a difficult time understanding the rules, they just opt to kill anything that they cannot grasp.

Another thing you need to remember is that many rules are also pieced together and develop over the years due to advanced equipment or ability to find and exploit certain loopholes.

Or you have people that just believe if you do everything one step at a time, all will fall into place. That seems to be the problem with this particular rule. Whoever put it together was so bent on covering the exceptions with two outs, they developed a rule overlooked the obvious.