In fastpitch softball, a "dropped 3rd strike" occurs when the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground. This situation does not always result in the batter being automatically out; specific conditions determine if the batter is out or may attempt to advance to first base.
Here's an explanation of the dropped third strike, referencing rules and umpire calls:
Definition and Core Rules
The "third strike rule" (dropped third strike) is specifically defined as when the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground. In this scenario, the ball generally remains live.
When the Batter is Automatically OUT on a Dropped Third Strike
The batter is automatically out on a dropped third strike under two specific conditions:
There are less than two outs AND first base is occupied. In this case, the batter-runner is out, and any runners are not forced, meaning they must be tagged out to be retired.
When a batter swings at and misses a third strike, and the ball hits their hands while on the bat. The ball is dead, and the batter is out, with runners returning to the base last touched.
When the Batter is NOT OUT and May Advance
If the conditions for an automatic out are not met, the batter is not out and becomes a batter-runner, entitled to attempt to advance to first base:
There are two outs, regardless of whether first base is occupied. In this case, the batter-runner must attempt to advance to first base, and other runners are forced to advance.
There are less than two outs AND first base is unoccupied. The batter-runner may attempt to advance to first base.
To put out the batter-runner in these situations, a defensive player must either tag the batter-runner or throw the ball to first base before the batter-runner reaches it.
Special Scenarios and Umpire Rulings
Here are specific scenarios illustrating the application of the dropped third strike rule:
Bounced Pitch
If a pitcher's hand slips and the ball bounces along the ground towards the batter, and the batter swings, it is a strike. If this is the third strike, the batter could advance to first base if they reach safely, as it's considered a dropped third strike. The ball remains live.
If a bounced pitch goes through the strike zone, and the batter swings and the catcher catches it on the first bounce, the batter is not out automatically. This is a dropped third strike situation, and the batter is entitled to first base if they reach safely.
Batter-Runner Interference
If the batter-runner's swing follow-through contacts the ball as the catcher is attempting to recover it after a dropped third strike, this is considered interference, and the batter-runner is declared out.
However, if the catcher errors the dropped third strike forward into the batter-runner's path, and the batter-runner accidentally kicks or steps on the ball while trying to advance, it is not interference as long as it is not intentional. The batter-runner is allowed to run to first base, and the ball remains alive.
Foul Tip vs. Dropped Third Strike
If a batter swings at and misses the third strike, and the ball tips the catcher’s glove, hits their chest, and is then caught in the glove, it is considered a legally caught third strike, not a dropped third strike. No throw or tag is required to get the out.
A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s hands or glove, no higher than the batter’s head, and is legally caught. This is a strike, and the ball remains live. If it is the third strike, the batter is out.
Running Lane on Dropped Third Strike
If the catcher retrieves a dropped third strike in first base foul territory and throws to the first baseman covering the foul portion of the double base, and the throw contacts the batter-runner running just inside fair territory, the batter-runner would not be ruled out for violating the three-foot running lane. On a dropped third strike in first base foul territory, the one-meter (three-foot) line is extended to two meters (six feet); one meter (three feet) on either side of the foul line.
Batter Failing to Advance
With two outs and a dropped third strike, if the batter swings and misses but the catcher drops the ball, and the batter fails to advance to first base (e.g., goes towards the dugout), they can be called out if the defense throws to first base or tags them. If the catcher doesn't make a play and the batter realizes their mistake and reaches first safely, they are safe.
Runners on Base and Force Plays
With two outs, bases loaded, and a dropped third strike, the batter is not automatically out. Instead, the runner from third base is forced to advance. If the catcher tags home plate, the runner from third is out, and the side is retired.
In a scenario with R1 on 2B and R2 on 1B, no outs, if the batter swings and misses a dropped third strike, the batter is automatically out (because 1B is occupied with less than two outs). Consequently, no runners are forced, and R1 and R2 must be tagged out if they attempt to advance.
Umpire's Judgment and Options on Illegal Pitches
If an illegal pitch is swung at and missed for a third strike, and it's a dropped third strike, but the batter-runner is thrown out at first base while other runners advance at least one base, the offensive team has the option to either:
- Take the result of the play (batter out, runners advance).
- Take the awarded penalty for the illegal pitch (ball to batter, runners advance one base).
However, if the batter-runner reaches first base safely as a result of the dropped third strike, and all other base runners advance at least one base, the illegal pitch is nullified, and no option is given; the play stands.
Umpires are expected to use good game management skills, such as calling the batter out promptly after the catcher drops the third strike (when applicable) to assist both the offense and defense.
