Does anyone understand why a batter can run to first on a dropped third strike?

Question

This rule just seems so random. The only purpose I can think of for this rule is it makes the pitcher be more careful with his two-strike junk in the dirt.

Also, has anyone ever seen a batter intentionally swing at a very wild third strike so they could run to first?

Answer 1

Yes, easily. It is in the rules that this is so.

More to the point, as to WHY this is the case -- Strike Three concludes the batter's plate appearance, but if the catcher does not secure the pitch cleanly, the putout is not recorded. Live (and loose) ball, plate appearance over -- that batter has to run, if one of the two "dropped third strike" conditions obtains -- either first base is unoccupied (to discourage the defense for trying for an easy double play by deliberate intent) or with two outs regardless of runners on (double play not possible -- and it lets the inning continue, and more baseball is always a good thing).

As for the deliberate strike three swing -- there was a rain-soaked game in Yankee Stadium a few years ago, I think the visitors were Toronto, and they were trying desperately to get in five innings to make it official. One batter did just this, swung on a very wide pitch, because I think he was trying to get out (his team was winning, so ending the game was in their favor). Perhaps someone else can remember more details.

Answer 2

It's an odd rule. It would make sense that it's because the ball has to be held for an out to be recorded; it just falls right in with the rules of any other out.

In fact, it's been on the books since Alexander Cartwright's original 1845 rules:

"11th. Three balls being struck at and missed and the last one caught, is a hand out; if not caught is considered fair, and the striker bound to run."

On other plays, the batter was out even if the ball was caught on one bounce. I assume, then, that this included strikeouts in 1845.

And that included times even when there was a runner on first! These rules got adjusted eventually.

By 1857, National Association Rule 10 clearly stated that it could be caught on a fly or after one bounce. It still created a force play; "the striker must attempt to make his run." Therefore, a dropped third strike with the bases loaded created all kinds of strategic possibilities!

By 1887 (possibly 1886 or earlier), it had to be on a fly, and the batter was out automatically with 1B occupied and one out. With none out, the batter could still run to first base, even with 1B occupied.

It's an interesting rule, and interesting to see a pitcher get credit for a strikeout and a wild pitch at the same time! Yet, it's the price that's paid for throwing a pitch that the catcher could not handle. It adds some risk and balance to the two-strike situation.

Answer 3

On an uncaught third strike without runner on first base (or with 2 outs no matter if there's a runner on first) the batter immediately will develop right into a runner. The strike is termed, inspite of the indisputable fact that the umpire does no longer call the batter out. some umpires will actively signal that there is "no capture" of the pitch. The batter can then attempt to achieve first base, and should be tagged or thrown out. One rationalization for this rule is to guarantee that a protective participant fields the ball cleanly to guarantee that that crew to list an out. It replaced into theory that it is not adequate that the offensive participant is unsuccessful to guarantee that an out to be made; a protective participant should be triumphant besides. inspite of the top results of an uncaught strike 3, the pitcher is statistically credited with a strikeout. because of the uncaught third strike rule, that's conceivable for a pitcher to sign up better than 3 strikeouts in an inning, a feat which has been performed contained in the major leagues fifty 3 situations considering that 1901, although at one factor almost 40 years handed before this feat replaced into repeated (1916-1956). note that if, on the time of the strike 3 pitch, first base is pondering fewer than 2 outs, the batter is out and does no longer develop right into a runner. that's to sidestep the protection from deliberately dropping the third strike and getting a double or triple play therefore, because of the conceivable rigidity play at 2 or 3 bases in this issue.

Answer 4

At first it does seem random but if you think about it, it is not. In every other play where a player makes an out on the field a defensive player has to hold the ball. A force play at first - if the firstbaseman drops it, the runner is safe. Steal attempt at second, the fielder makes the tag in time but drops the ball, the runner is safe.

The same thing applies on a strike out. Batter swings and misses, the catcher has to catch and hold onto the ball to make the out. If you note on defensive stats, the pitcher gets credit for striking out a batter but the catcher gets the credit for making the put-out.

Answer 5

For the same reason that a runner headed toward first is safe if the first baseman drops the throw. The putout in either case is not complete until the ball is in the glove. The catcher, not the pitcher, is the one who is actually credited with a putout when a strikeout happens.

I've never seen anyone swing at a very wild third strike intentionally--that's interesting though.

Answer 6

In recording an "out", the ball must be controlled by the fielder recording the out. Consequently, in a strikeout situation, the catcher must control the ball, or "catch it", to record the out. If the ball is not fielded cleanly, then it is a live ball which results in the batter being alive (not out) until the out is recorde properly either by the catcher tagging out the batter or throwing down to first base to record the out at first. In these cases, first base must be unoccupied for the batter to be considered "live" on a dropped third strike.

And yes, I have seen a batter intentionally swing at a wild 3rd strike and wind up safe at first base since first base was unoccupied at the time.

Answer 7

i know what you mean. the rule makes more sense when it's on a CALLED third strike which the catcher should definitely catch rather than on a wild pitch that the batter could intentionally swing for and get on base. But, rules are rules.

Answer 8

I think part of the reason for allowing the batter to run on a dropped third strike is that the defensive team must be in possession of the ball to make an out. It does seem like a bit of an odd rule, but it would be weird to be called out on any play where the defensive team doesn't have the ball for the putout.

Answer 9

The out is not completed unless the third strike is caught. An uncaught third strike is still a "live ball" and the play would need to be completed. Its not that different than a baserunner attempting to take a base on a passed ball or wild pitch.
As for the second part, I've done that. 0-2 count and nervous as heck.

Answer 10

Good question. I played catcher for years, and the rule always made sense. The whole idea behind a strikeout is imposing your will. If you can't even catch the ball that isn't very imposing. The rule makes a lot of sense in the younger stages of the game. When the pitcher and catcher don't have much control. It added a lot of action.