D3K Explained To A Coach - Letter One

[whiskers_ump]

NFHS game: Situation 1 on [1B] 2 out, 3-2 count.
Pitch bounces in front of HP and is cleanly caught by the catcher on the
bounce after the batter swung and missed. Defense leaves the field while
the batter is standing staring at the dugout unsure of what to do.
After teams exchange sides, offensive coach of previous inning goes to
PU and asked - "was the batter entitled to attempt to take first on the D3K?"
PU replies, "No, the catcher had cleanly fielded the pitch after the pitch
became the 3rd strike after the batter swung and missed." He further explained
that the pitch was not a strike until after the batter swung at the ball,
and that the catcher had then made a clean catch after the ball had become the
3rd strike.
Coach was not buying this, has sent a letter to the chapter that I now
have to answer. [No, I was not even there] [Rule Interp for chapter]

[JEL]

Originally posted by whiskers_ump
NFHS game: Situation 1 on [1B] 2 out, 3-2 count.
Pitch bounces in front of HP and is cleanly caught by the catcher on the
bounce after the batter swung and missed. Defense leaves the field while
the batter is standing staring at the dugout unsure of what to do.
After teams exchange sides, offensive coach of previous inning goes to
PU and asked - "was the batter entitled to attempt to take first on the D3K?"
PU replies, "No, the catcher had cleanly fielded the pitch after the pitch
became the 3rd strike after the batter swung and missed." He further explained
that the pitch was not a strike until after the batter swung at the ball,
and that the catcher had then made a clean catch after the ball had become the
3rd strike.
Coach was not buying this, has sent a letter to the chapter that I now
have to answer. [No, I was not even there] [Rule Interp for chapter]

Geez glen,

You know this one, you just don't want to write that letter do you?

Maybe an honest "we will be continuing the training of this official" is about all you can say.

I don't envy you! Good Luck!

[AtlUmpSteve]

Dear Coach,

It appears one of our umpires gave you an inaccurate interpretation of the dropped third strike rule. We apologize, and will make sure he (and all our other umpires) are appropriately directed in addressing this rule. It clearly placed your team at no disadvantage, however, since you batter chose not to attempt to first base.

To be clear, if there are two outs, or if first base is unoccupied with less than two outs, the defense must complete the out on a batter on a third strike unless the pitch is caught in flight from the pitcher; if at any time from pitcher's hand to catcher's glove, the ball touches the ground, it is not caught.

Sincerely yours,

................

[whiskers_ump]

Again, Thanks Steve.

You sure are saving me a lot of work, well typing.

I don't know where we get our coaches. But then they
probably wonder where we get our umpires.