Detached Equipment
 

Rule 8.5.F.5

A batter is awarded one base only on third strike in fast pitch and modified pitch.

This is obviously referring to a dropped third strike. I'm assuming the runner would only be awarded first if 1B is unoccupied with less than 2 outs or with 1B occupied or unoccupied with 2 outs. In otherwords, the umpire should only award 1B if the batter was able to run on a D3K.

ASA 8-5-F-5 In regards to the OP. This is an illegal act by the catcher so it appears that the batter will be awarded first for this act. If I ever see this happen it will be a first.

The batter is awarded first base even in the situation where the batter does not become a batter-runner? On a D3K the batter becomes a batter-runner only with first base open and less than 2 outs or anytime with 2 outs. If the ball is retrieved by the catcher with detached equipment when the batter can not legally advance to 1b on a D3K, I don't believe we grant the batter 1B.

I don't believe that is ASA's intention here.

This rule relates to awards to runners and batter-runners when the catcher illegally uses detached equipment to assist in making a play. Relative to runners, there is no award if there is no play.

With that in mind, we can't use this rule to create a batter-runner where none previously existed, as there was no play on that retired batter. Relative to this rule, the award of one base is only for batter-runners on whom a play might be illegally assisted by the detached equipment.

Batter would be out INSTANTLY upon receiving the third strike. Subsequent events like a catcher using detached equipment to chase down a passed ball cannot "un-out" the batter.

Please note the rule heading, Batter-Runner and Runner.

If this pertained to a batter, it would be in Rule 7, or 8.1 which would create a BR.

I stand corrected. Thanks folks! Only makes sense.