Baseball Instruction/Dropped Third Strike Question

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Expert: - 7/8/2008


Question
I need your input on this play. In the 15 year old level, with the bases loaded, 2 outs, the batter checked his swing with two strikes. The catcher dropped the ball, did not tag the batter but then appealed the check swing to the first base umpire. the umpire signaled that he did go around - third strike and batter is out. However, the problem I have is the catcher did not tag the batter until after the appeal - inning over. Should the batter have run while the appeal was made? It seems unfair that he just stood there while the appeal was made while it was a live ball.

Answer
Mike,

On an appeal, the ball is still live.  Chances are, if the batter ran, as an umpire, I would have called a strike, knowing that he went around (him running to first is him telling me that he went around).  However, on a check swing, it is still a dropped third strike if the base umpire rules that he went.

Sticky situation, but it still constitutes a dropped third strike.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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