When a runner is on 1st base and there are two strikes and 2 outs and the batter strikes out but the catcher drops the ball can the runner on 1st base run to 2nd base?

Answer 1

1.) For a strikeout, the catcher must actually hang on to the ball in his mitt. If he drops it, or never has it in the first place, the runner can run to first and the catcher must tag or throw him out. 2.) The ball isn't out of play if he catches it. Catch -> Out. That simple. Mr Know-it-all [GRIN]. (I don't answer enough of these darn things, heheheh.) Basically, Glenn, a player must have posession of the ball for an out to be recorded. On every play, the ball is caught by the defensive team (pop out, line out, tag). The same is true for a strike out. The catcher must have possession of the ball to record the out. In the case of a passed ball or wild pitch, he does not therefore, no out and the runner may attempt to advance to first. the ball is only out of play if you can't catch it or use it to make a play, therefore it is called out of play when fouled into the crowd/anywhere the player cant get to it. Not only can the batter advance to first base if the catcher does not catch the ball, he can attempt to advance if the third strike skips in the dirt and is CAUGHT by the catcher; the catcher must catch the third strike cleanly to record the strike-out. In regard to the foul ball/out-of-play ball, they are 2 different things; a foul ball is, in fact, in play and the out can be made if caught on the fly (and runners on base can tag up and advance at their own peril). An out-of-play ball is a not-playable ball. Out-of-play boundaries are agreed upon prior to the start of the game by the umpires and coaches of both teams.

Answer 2

This rule only takes effect if there is no runner on first or if there is 2 outs in the inning. It was thought that to award a clean out to the defensive team not only does the offensive team have to fail, but the defensive team has to be successful. And in dropping the third pitch the defensive team is not able to succeed and get a clean out thus the runner is then able to run to first base.

If the call is indeed a strike and the ball is dropped the pitcher is still awarded a strikeout but the out does not count on the score sheet unless the batter is tagged or thrown out.

The reason this can only be performed when no one is on first or there is 2 outs is that it prevents the defensive team from purposefully dropping the third pitch in order to turn a double or triple play on the other base runners.

Answer 3

No. There are 3 outs. It makes no difference if the catcher catches or drops the ball. A hitter may attempt to take first base if he strikes out and the catcher drops the ball AND first base is not occupied. In this case, first base is already occupied the inning is over.

Answer 4

No, If first base is open you are allowed to try to run to first on a missed 3rd strike but if it is occupied then you will immediately be called out unless there are two outs. If there are two outs the uncaught third strike rule does not apply.

Answer 5

I am not sure why its there. you can have a swinging bunt and it won't be consider an "out" the the batter is out and i don't think anything happens with second base runner. he can i believe try to move up if he wants.

Answer 6

Yes, as long as the batter thrown out at first is not the third out of the inning.

Answer 7

The drop third strike rule only applies when there is no runner on first base. In this case nothing would happen but the batter would be out.

Answer 8

The batter can advance because the ball is still live, same as every runner on any base. The catcher must catch the ball directly from the pitcher to complete a strikeout.