WHEN THERE IS A DROPPED third strike with runners on base, particularly with the bases loaded,
it can create interesting challenges for catchers, pitchers, runners and even managers.
The related rule here is 6.05 (c) which reads,
“A batter is out when a third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two are out.”
This would also include situations when there are runners on first and third, or first, second and third.

Rule 6.05 (c) is a close cousin of the Infield Fly Rule since its primary purpose is to protect the runner/runners
from deception on the part of the catcher. When the batter-runner is automatically out, runners are not forced to
advance. They can, however, run at their own risk. And if they do so, a tag is required since this is not a force
play.

Without 6.05 (c) a catcher could intentionally drop a third strike and create a double or triple play just like a
fielder could likewise purposely drop a fly ball to gain the same result. Can you envision Astros’ catcher Brad
Ausmus intentionally dropping a third strike with a runner on first base and one out. He could quickly pick up the
ball, fire to second with shortstop Adam Everett covering, and then Everett could throw to first for an
inning-ending 2-6-3 double play.

Notice that the rule is enforced only before two are out. With two outs and first base occupied, the catcher needs
to tag the batter on a dropped third strike or throw to first. His toughest play would be to throw to second.
If a dropped third strike should occur with the bases loaded and less than two outs, the batter is automatically
out per 6.05 (c) but runners can run at their own risk. If they do, a tag is necessary to record a putout.
With two outs, the catcher with ball in possession needs only to tag home plate with his foot or hand to get the
third out since this is a force play.

Here is a nice printable image that shows the baseball position numbers for each position.

baseball-field-position-numbers

There are a few rules that you will not find in the rule book or you may find that they are misinterpreted.

The first rule is the Two-Tone Glove Rule, it states that the pitchers glove may not be white or grey and be uniform in color. The pitcher also may not attach anything that is different in color from the glove.

With this previous statement you could ban just about every glove being used today. However the rule of thumb that should be used by the leagues and/or the Umpires is “Does Pitcher’s glove distract the batter” if asking this question, and the answer is yes then the glove should not be used.

Taking this a bit further you can then start with the uniform or shirt sleeve that a Pitcher is wearing. By applying the same question to the sleeves you should be able to ascertain if the color is distracting to the batter.

In either case the glove or sleeve issue needs to be addressed at the beginning of the game/season not during.

So often we are reminded how important it is as Coaches and Parents to ensure that our children are safe from the heat of the moment situations we are drawn into during a close game. Unfortunately there have been many cases where the children’s well being is not the top priority of the coaching staff and in some cases, the family as well. The youth league organization is implementing a new pitch count rule to ensure that the kids are not over used,, resulting in injury.

Coaches are the first to ensure that their Pitchers are getting the needed practice time , throwing correctly, and staying healthy, however when you get down to the playoff’s or a close game against a long time rival, the health factor is out the window. It is now all about winning. There are far to many stories of players being injured due to fatigue and strain on their throwing arm.

Here is the maximum pitch count for each age level per day.

AGE                PITCHES

17-18                             105

13-16                             90

11-12                             85

9-10                                 75

7-8                                     50

Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI (c) for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs:

1. That batter reaches base;

2. That batter is put out;

3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning.

Note 1: A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.