There was some debate at a softball game the other day. I'm a high school volleyball and basketball official but havn't got into softball. I also run the youth sports in my area so I'm in charge of training officials. The question was if a ball bounces before the plate and the batter swings and misses. Is this considered dropped third strike? It was argued that the catch has to touch the ball then it hit the ground for this rule to apply.

If the ball hits the ground first it is considered a trapped ball, and not a caught ball.

Bob

So, yes it is considered a dropped third strike.

While commonly called the <u>dropped</u> third strike rule, the wording of the actual rule (ASA 8-1-B) says <font color=blue>"<B>THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER.</B> When the catcher <u>fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground</u>...</font>.

So, more correctly, it is an <u>uncaught</u> third strike.

Good point, Dakota. ;)

There is a time that a ball bouncing to the plate.........MAY become a caught 3rd strike.......

If the batter swings at the pitch and it meets the definition of a "Foul Tip"........THEN........it can be considered caught.........

We should remember that......

Joel

Thanks.
 

Joel,
I didn't know that. Cool!
mick