Dropped Third Strike Rule

Here is the rule:11.14 Dropped Third-Strike Rule11.14.1 When with fewer than two outs and first base occupied, the catcher
fails to catch a third strike before the ball touches the ground.
EFFECT—The ball is live, the batter is out, and base runners may
advance with liability to be put out.

11.14.2 When with two outs or fewer than two outs and first base is
unoccupied, the catcher fails to catch a third strike before the ball
touches the ground.
EFFECT—The ball is live, the batter becomes a batter-runner with
liability to be put out. Base runners may advance with
liability to be put out.

Here is the question: One out, no bases occupied, two strike count on batter.
Batter swings and misses at strike three, on a ball that hits the ground prior to getting to the catcher, catcher fields ball cleanly. Does the batter become a batter-runner able to advance with liability to be put out?

I know the rule says " ...the catcher fails to catch a third strike before the ball touches the ground." However, the rules name, Dropped Third Strike Rule, and the way it is applied has to do with the catcher not cleanly catching or dropping the third strike.

What say you?
Dad

 

Guru Is Guessing But----

If I'm answering wrong I missed the question ,but if the ball hits the ground prior to the plate, I believe that is considered a drop third strike if she swings, and she can run to first base ,and the catcher has to throw her out before reaching the base or she is safe,but with a K...correct me if I'm wrong !! Let's put it this way i've seen this before ,and had different calls on different occasions!!

Guru

 

Exactly!

a K...correct me if I'm wrong !! Let's put it this way I've seen this before ,and had different calls on different occasions!!

That it self is part the issue, no consistency, the other is the name of the rule
Dropped. By it's name the ball would have to be dropped, in the situation posted the ball was not dropped, it hit the ground and the catcher fielded it cleanly. Part II of this saga coming soon!
Dad

 

I understand your point about the confusion but I believe the interpretation is as Guru said.

I never understood the purpose or origins of the "Dropped third strike" rule. If someone knows the history of that rule, it would be interesting to hear.

 

Simple answer if the ball hits the ground before the catcher catches the ball it is live. If the catcher drops the ball it is live. Say the pitcher throws a drop ball batter swings on strike 3 ball "bounces" into the catchers mit and she catches it the ball is live and the batter can move to 1st if unoccupied or occupied with 2 outs. That is the rule

 

Guru is Right

I caught for 15 years ............... and have umpired for 6 ...............If their is no runner on 1st no matter what the out count is.............and the ball is dropped, skipped, or rolled and it is a strike 3 pitch (swing or no swing by batter) the runner CAN run and has to be putout......................The catcher has to catch the ball cleanly in the AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No matter what the umpire says or is going to call just always have your catcher make that play.............then you'll be safe and not putting it in the umpire's hands............

p.s. watch mlb you see it all the time........the hook or hammer will hit the ground and the catcher will block it or glove it and automaticly tag the batter!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thank You All!

I know the rule, you know the rule, we all with the exception of the officiating crew in a game yesterday, know the rule. Thanks for your input!
Dad

 

2 outs, bases loaded and dropped 3rd strike. All the catcher has to do is pick up the ball and touch home before the runner from 3rd base gets there.

It is just like any other force out.

 

Sort of off topic...

In a game today, bases loaded, thrid strike, catcher drops the ball. Catcher picks up the ball, steps on home plate (not because she knew to), throws ball back to pitcher. Everyone is changing sides. Batter that struck out is walking back to bench, offense coming in. Umpire is just standing there looking at everyone. I tell the pitcher to throw the ball to first to one of the girls coming off the field (all other base runners have left the field). Girl catches the ball, touches first, umpire says three outs! I really wish I was joking!

By the way, the plate umpire went old school! He had one of those chest protectors you have to hold that my dad used to wear when he was umpiring 25 years ago. It was funny to see. I couldn't tell if he was using it because it was hot (is a good idea, am sure the equipment they wear under their shirt gets hot) or if he was just tired of the ball hitting his arms (he had his arms tucked in tight behind the protector).