The Research Collection Society For American Baseball Research When there are less than two outs, a batter is not allowed to run to first base on a dropped third strike because first base is occupied. However, if there are two outs, a batter is allowed to run to first base on a dropped third strike. In both scenarios, baserunners are free to run at their own risk. window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"} .iQELft{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;}/*!sc*/ Dropped third strikes: A look at baseball's strangest rule - MLB.com .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo--with-sponsor,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo--with-sponsor,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo--with-tagline,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo--with-tagline{display:none;}/*!sc*/ It is, perhaps, the oldest surviving rule, and its an odd rule, Thorn said. .mHQYb .p-search__status{left:-9999px;position:absolute;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams__team{width:100%;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}/*!sc*/ The strikeout victim had reached first base. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item{display:none;-webkit-flex:1 1 100%;-ms-flex:1 1 100%;flex:1 1 100%;position:relative;text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header__login-menu{border-color:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ a{background-color:transparent;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g165[id="Styles__AspectRatioContent-sc-1t1lmmv-1"]{content:"fvEQJr,"}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-icon{width:25px;cursor:pointer;}/*!sc*/ A member of the fielding team delivers the ball to a batter, who attempts to hit it. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner{width:100%;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ | Baseball Training If advancing on a dropped third strike is wacky, imagine batters advancing on any dropped pitch. html{line-height:1.15;-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav ::-webkit-scrollbar{width:0px;}/*!sc*/ The ball is dead and no runner(s) advance. he intentionally interferes with the catchers attempt to field the ball after a third strike; his fair hit or foul (other than a foul tip which is not a third strike) is caught by a fielder, or such catch is prevented by a spectator reaching into the playing field; his fair fly, fair line drive or fair bunt in flight is intentionally dropped by an infielder with at least first base occupied and before there are two outs. header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open{position:fixed;top:0px;z-index:99992;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-black-italic.woff') format('woff');font-style:italic;font-weight:900;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item .icon__subnav-arrow{-webkit-transform:rotate(-90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(-90deg);transform:rotate(-90deg);margin-right:0;width:11px;height:11px;float:none;}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM .content >:nth-last-child(2){border:none;margin-right:auto;padding-right:48px;}/*!sc*/ But one must admire its persistence and its potential to breathe life into obsolete at-bats. Orioles ace John Means threw a no-hitter against the Mariners on Wednesday, and the only thing preventing him from a perfect game was a strikeout? .fuMUTu rect{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ The oft-overlooked Orval Overall even did it in a World Series game, in 1908.\n\nSo overall (and Overall), the dropped third strike rule has given us some great trivia even if some of those involved dont even realize it.\n\nUtility man Gerardo Parra, for instance, had no idea that, until he signed with a Japanese team last offseason, he was the active Major Leaguer who had reached safely on the dropped third strike more than any other (10 times), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.\n\nThats a good note for me! he said when informed. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:italic;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item__link{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;font-weight:700;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;padding:10px 12px;}/*!sc*/ Runner Misses 2B and the defensive Team Tries an Appeal. New rules confined outs on fair balls to catches on the fly, not on one bounce. ","type":"markdown"}],"storyType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"Orioles ace John Means threw a no-hitter against the Mariners on Wednesday, and the only thing preventing him from a perfect game was a strikeout? And as equipment improved, this play became easier to execute. Only if an umpire judges that the .kwDmpG{display:block;font-weight:500;}/*!sc*/ .dLQAwR a:hover{color:#0048AB;}/*!sc*/ 360. @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{-webkit-flex-basis:75%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:75%;flex-basis:75%;}}/*!sc*/ Though Kole Calhoun had swung through Verlanders 88-mph slider for strike three, the ball had dived into the dirt and bounced away from catcher Robinson Chirinos. .hUHmCp > article .ad-top-right-container,.hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container{position:relative;margin-bottom:64px;min-height:250px;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g89[id="sc-global-feDRkC1"]{content:"sc-global-feDRkC1,"}/*!sc*/ Get free access to baseball forums, rules analysis and exclusive email content from current and former Major League Baseball players and umpires. button::-moz-focus-inner,[type="button"]::-moz-focus-inner,[type="reset"]::-moz-focus-inner,[type="submit"]::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;padding:0;}/*!sc*/ Because even in the midst of Verlander adding to his strikeout total, Angels fans had something to celebrate. If the umpire is uncertain who would have been played on, the runner closest to home shall be called out; or. If a third strike is dropped, the batter is out. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav{border-top:solid 4px #057AFF;}/*!sc*/ Scenario: Dropped third strike or bunt where the thrown ball hits the runner on his way to first. Note: On a dropped third strike, when the batter is , Interference Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. [type="checkbox"],[type="radio"]{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}/*!sc*/ article > section{font-size:1.2rem;font-family:Georgia,serif;}/*!sc*/ The Knickerbockers clung to the GutsMuths principle even as so much about the sport was changing.\n\nUltimately, when further alterations were made in 1879 to eliminate outs on one-bounce catches of foul balls, the one-bounce catches of third strikes for outs were eliminated, as well. NFHS POINTS OF EMPHASIS AND HOW TO FOLLOW THEM In the 1790s, said John Thorn, MLBs official historian, they had the right idea that strikeouts are boring.. data-styled.g158[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Message-sc-d7sh2p-3"]{content:"evwvnJ,"}/*!sc*/ .groqnz .ad-body-container{border-color:#dddddd;border-style:solid;border-width:1px 0 1px 0;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;margin:0 2%;min-height:343px;width:96%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.locale,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.search{display:none;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular.woff') format('woff');font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ I wouldnt say its an unfair rule, said veteran reliever Sergio Romo. Rules consultant- Blue Jays, Brewers, Cardinals, Dbacks, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers, Rays, Reds, Red Sox, Royals, Tigers, Twins, Yankees, the Sinclair Regional Sports Networks, ESPN, YES, and White Sox TV THIS RULE APPLIES TO NFHS img{border-style:none;}/*!sc*/ .fYCiRB{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;height:40px;width:40px;}/*!sc*/ You make the call. .hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container{margin-top:64px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo{padding-left:20px;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){body.article .ad-top-container{min-height:106px;}}/*!sc*/ WebIf a third strike is dropped, it means that the catcher misses the ball on its way to home plate. button,input{overflow:visible;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.groqnz.markdown,.groqnz.photo figcaption,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed{padding:0;}}/*!sc*/ WebDropped Third Strike with Runner On First If there is a dropped third strike with a runner on first, the hitter can only advance if there are two outs. 2020 NFHS POINTS OF EMPHASIS AND HOW TO FOLLOW THEM. And does our continued acceptance of this purposeless precedent qualify as an unhealthy marriage to tradition?\n\nOK, there are certainly bigger issues in ball and in life. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:focus{outline:1px dotted #041E42;}/*!sc*/ .kwDmpG input{box-sizing:border-box;margin-bottom:16px;}/*!sc*/ .hHLkAw input::-moz-placeholder{color:#aaaaaa;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-semibold-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-semibold-italic.woff') format('woff');font-weight:600;font-style:italic;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ .hspSPq:hover{cursor:pointer;background-color:#0462CC;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu--open{display:block;left:auto;opacity:1;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__container--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ .drUhS rect{fill:#000000;stroke:#000000;}/*!sc*/ .ezZJVn{background:transparent;border:0;color:#000000;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:1rem;margin:0;padding:0;position:absolute;right:35px;top:60%;-webkit-transform:translateY(-50%);-ms-transform:translateY(-50%);transform:translateY(-50%);white-space:nowrap;}/*!sc*/ If two fielders try to field a batted ball and the runner contacts one or both, the umpire shall decide which one is entitled to field the ball and that fielder only is entitled to protection. [hidden]{display:none;}/*!sc*/ @media only screen and (min-width:568px){.hYmwpY{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}}/*!sc*/ If a fielder drops a batted ball and contact with a runner occurs during a subsequent attempt to field the ball, the fielder has the greater responsibility for avoiding contact. But one must admire its persistence and its potential to breathe life into obsolete at-bats.\n\nIts lurking there, Thorn said. .kKeedG{color:#057AFF;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:none;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ New rules confined outs on fair balls to catches on the fly, not on one bounce. Diving over a fielder is illegal. @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;}}/*!sc*/ .hspSPq{height:32px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;font-size:13px;-webkit-transition:0.2s;transition:0.2s;border-radius:5px;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#057AFF;border:none;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ SECTION 51. SECTION 33. .mHQYb header.mlb-header{width:100%;font-family:'proxima-nova','mlb-primary','Helvetica Neue', 'Helvetica','Arial',sans-serif;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:15px;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .epHHrr{text-align:center;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g147[id="Styles__MarkdownContainer-dxqlie-0"]{content:"eJdqRG,"}/*!sc*/ Not Out of the Baseline Since No Tag Attempt by the Fielder. data-styled.g20[id="imagestyle__ImageWrapper-sc-xw1tzz-0"]{content:"evGxub,gkgVOa,cWQXyp,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search{display:block;position:relative;color:#333333;width:inherit;}/*!sc*/ It is great-great-great-grandfathered into the rulebook at this point.\n\nSome pitchers even view it as an opportunity.\n\nIt gives you the chance to punch out four in an inning, Braves reliever Will Smith said with a smile. This rule applies when first base is open, or if there are two outs. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-url-logos{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}/*!sc*/ Equipment must be kept in the dugout or away from the runners on the warned team will be called out after the first warning. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item{color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-size:14px;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}/*!sc*/