.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner .p-icon *{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .fAmXvR{background:#f3f3f3;border-radius:6px;color:#444444;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-weight:500;padding:16px 16px 24px;}/*!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*/ data-styled.g163[id="Styles__OEmbedContainer-oapuup-0"]{content:"epHHrr,"}/*!sc*/ Anything that contributes to more people getting on base (though it doesnt actually improve their on-base percentages, which is a whole other weird topic for another time) ought to be applauded even if the occasion, as Verlander can tell you, is occasionally awkward.\n\nThis blip in the rulebook, this curious canon, this precious little postcard from baseballs past has long since outlived the logic behind its creation. 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 .mHQYb .p-search{display:block;position:relative;color:#333333;width:inherit;}/*!sc*/ Consider: The leaguewide strikeout rate has risen unabated for more than a decade now, and, in a related development, 10 of the 50 lowest leaguewide on-base percentages of the modern era have been logged since 2010. Fast forward half a century, and the New York Knickerbocker Base Ball Club put its rules to writing in 1845. If a retired runner interferes, and in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare that runner out. @media (max-width:350px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item__link .icon__nav-item{display:none;}}/*!sc*/ Batter Drops His Bat and the Ball then Rolls into the Bat. Misconduct does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play, or on a force play, does not slide in a direct line between the bases; or. .fuMUTu path{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ (a) (1) running more than three feet away from his/ her baseline to avoid being tagged, unless such action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. Yet third strikes were still similar to fair balls in that the runner could advance if the ball went uncaught. This Runner Goes Way Out of the Way, but is He Out of the Baseline? .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top__nav-items{display:none;}/*!sc*/ Haggerty was later erased on a caught stealing, and Means faced the minimum 27 batters to become the first pitcher in history to throw a no-hitter in which the only baserunner came via the dropped third strike rule. [type="checkbox"],[type="radio"]{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}/*!sc*/ As such, there was no need to have a defensive player -- a catcher -- positioned behind the batter. However, if 1st base is occupied and there are less than 2 outs, the batter is out regardless of if the 3rd strike is dropped or not. The Knickerbockers clung to the GutsMuths principle even as so much about the sport was changing. You make a pitch, you get the strike. The drop third strike rule is such a weird rule in the game of baseball. The dropped third strike rule happens in baseball when a hitter strikes out, yet the catcher cant catch the pitch in the air. When the ball hits the ground on a third strike, the hitter has to run towards the first base. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top > *{-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo--mlb img{margin:auto;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__container:hover{background-color:#e6f2ff75;color:#333333;}/*!sc*/ What is the Dropped Third Strike Rule? .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight{background-color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ The act of an offensive player, umpire or nongame person who interferes with; physically or verbally hinders; confuses; or impedes any fielder attempting to make a play. 116 RULE 11 / BATTING Note: The benefit of any doubt must go to the batter and could include a batter freezing and unable to move due to the unusual movement or speed of the pitch. .hspSPq svg path{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ With two outs, the runner is declared out. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item{width:100%;-webkit-order:0;-ms-flex-order:0;order:0;background-color:#081c3b;border-bottom:1px solid #002867;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header--inner{margin:auto;max-width:none;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.ggWmAj{max-height:60px;padding:16px 32px 16px 24px;}}/*!sc*/ .hYmwpY{display:block;}/*!sc*/ The batter is credited with a fielders choice. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--mobile-quick-nav .header__nav-top__nav-item--inner{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu__link{display:block;padding:10px;color:#081c3b;background-color:#f7f7f7;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}/*!sc*/ What happens after a dropped third strike if the runner starts heading back to the dugout? @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;}}/*!sc*/ Then, read the expert analysis by Rich Marazzi on what is legal on the base paths. In the case of a foul ball, it must have a chance to become fair in the umpires judgment. A Major Leaguer on the mound -- or behind the dish -- isnt thinking in those terms. Expert Rules Analysis Here .kwDmpG input{box-sizing:border-box;margin-bottom:16px;}/*!sc*/ .drUhS path{fill:#000000;}/*!sc*/ Each year NHFS compiles a list of rules for coaches and officials to emphasize during the course of the baseball , Did Andrew McCutchen go beyond the legal three feet base path to avoid this tag? @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner:hover a,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner:hover span{color:#ffffff;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item--inner:hover .p-icon *{fill:#ffffff;}}/*!sc*/ .epHHrr iframe{max-width:100%;}/*!sc*/ .kKeedG{color:#057AFF;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:none;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(2),.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(3){top:8px;}/*!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. data-styled.g170[id="Styles__TimestampContainer-sc-8rwtua-0"]{content:"hedPca,"}/*!sc*/ Dropped third strikes You know the usual rules with a strikeout, typically a batter either swings and misses at a pitch with two strikes, or is caught looking at a strike with two already against him. /*-->*/ If the receiver did not catch it (a stronger possibility than now, given that the catcher had no mitt or protective equipment), the batter could attempt to run to first base safely.\n\nThings got a little confusing in the 1860s. data-styled.g66[id="textInputstyle__styledTextInput-sc-q34wel-2"]{content:"hHLkAw,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__form svg{width:16px !important;height:16px !important;}/*!sc*/ button,select{text-transform:none;}/*!sc*/ Upon contact, the batter attempts to run around and complete a circuit of bases while the fielders attempt to get him out.\n\nHere's the crucial difference between _ball mit freystten_ and the game we know and love: There were no walks or strikeouts.\n\nThe pitcher, as it were, stood five or six steps from the batter and delivered high, arching tosses intended to induce contact. .mHQYb .p-search__list:focus{outline:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;position:relative;z-index:99993;padding:0 14px;background-color:#041e42;box-shadow:1px 0 5px #000000;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:500px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{-webkit-flex-basis:60%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:60%;flex-basis:60%;}}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g20[id="imagestyle__ImageWrapper-sc-xw1tzz-0"]{content:"evGxub,gkgVOa,cWQXyp,"}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g118[id="sc-global-iSmFBW1"]{content:"sc-global-iSmFBW1,"}/*!sc*/ ::-webkit-file-upload-button{-webkit-appearance:button;font:inherit;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight:hover{background-color:lighten;}/*!sc*/ It is fascinating not so much for the merit of the rule but for its survival.\n\nNo GutsMuths, no glory. @media screen and (-ms-high-contrast:active),(-ms-high-contrast:none){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo{height:30px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo img{min-height:30px;height:auto !important;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline img{width:100%;}}/*!sc*/ Batter Unintentionally Drops His Bat on a Live Ball. It is fascinating not so much for the merit of the rule but for its survival.. article > header{padding:0 16px;}/*!sc*/ Example of a Runner Going Out of the Baseline to Avoid a Tag, How a Batter Can Be Called Out For Touching a Foul Ball, How to Make an Appeal Play when a Runner Misses a Base. .hHLkAw input:-ms-input-placeholder{color:#aaaaaa;}/*!sc*/ And as equipment improved, this play became easier to execute. The most famous dropped third strike in baseball history happened in Game 4 of the 1941 World Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees. Orioles Jackson Upends Yankees 2B Wade Legal Slide? .groqnz .ad-body-container .ad-body-inner-container{margin-bottom:32px;padding:43px 0 16px 0;position:relative;text-align:center;width:343px;}/*!sc*/ It is great-great-great-grandfathered into the rulebook at this point. @media (min-width:768px){body.article .ad-top-container{min-height:106px;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item__container--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ If I can make a pitch thats so bad that the catcher cant catch it but you still swung at it, he joked, you probably shouldnt get to go to first base., Ah, but you do, thanks to Rule 5.05(a)(2), which states that the batter becomes a runner when the third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out., The rule echoes that timeless tune we sing in the middle of the seventh at ballparks across the country. data-styled.g165[id="Styles__AspectRatioContent-sc-1t1lmmv-1"]{content:"fvEQJr,"}/*!sc*/ With a runner on first, a skilled catcher could muff the catch of a third strike and throw the ball to second to initiate a double play. If he is successful, the run counts, as it was scored prior to out number 3. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. The rule is a close cousin of the Infield Fly rule. data-styled.g10[id="buttonstyle__Label-sc-vlv7w5-0"]{content:"iwXciG,"}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM .content .share-btn button{font-weight:600;}/*!sc*/ .bZhBFV img{max-width:220px;}/*!sc*/ .hpFxqr{line-height:1.1;}/*!sc*/ I like that!\n\nPerhaps thats the way we should all appraise the strangest rule in sports.\n\nConsider: The leaguewide strikeout rate has risen unabated for more than a decade now, and, in a related development, 10 of the 50 lowest leaguewide on-base percentages of the modern era have been logged since 2010. sub,sup{font-size:75%;line-height:0;position:relative;vertical-align:baseline;}/*!sc*/ How did we get here, exactly? data-styled.g29[id="linkstyle__AnchorElement-sc-1rt6me7-0"]{content:"kKeedG,"}/*!sc*/ You make a pitch, you get the strike. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .icon,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top .p-icon *{fill:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .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*/ WebUSSSA Rules Text: A strikeout is the result of the pitcher getting a third strike charged to a batter. data-styled.g157[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Title-sc-d7sh2p-2"]{content:"ihHuHi,"}/*!sc*/ THIS RULE APPLIES TO NFHS .mHQYb body.side-nav-open{position:fixed;overflow:hidden;overscroll-behavior:none;touch-action:none;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item a{bottom:0;position:absolute;width:100%;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g149[id="Styles__FigureCaption-iefwtj-1"]{content:"hpFxqr,"}/*!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. @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*/ a third strike is caught by the catcher; or the third strike is not caught with first base occupied and there are less than two outs (2-16-2); after a dropped third strike (see8-4-1e) or a fair hit, if the ball held by any fielder touches the batter before the batter touches first base; or if any fielder, while holding the ball in his grasp, touches first base or touches first base with the ball before the batter-runner touches first base: or, he runs outside the three-foot running lane (last half of the distance from home plate to first base), while the ball is being fielded or thrown to first base; or. data-styled.g140[id="sharestyle__Label-sc-9nfkvu-0"]{content:"ezZJVn,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Most people believe that if a runner is standing on a base , Author: Rich Marazzi: runs more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged or to hinder a fielder while the runner is advancing or returning to a base; This is not an infraction if a fielder attempting to field a batted ball is in the runners proper path and if the runner runs behind the fielder to avoid interfering with him. @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content{-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;}}/*!sc*/ Runner on First Attempts to Go to Second Base on Dropped Third Strike When a batter strikes out on a dropped third strike and first base is occupied with less than two outs, the batter is automatically out. \n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","type":"rich","width":550},"type":"oembed"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"That, Nationals catcher Yan Gomes said, is a cheap way of getting to first.\n\nDropped first strikes probably arent coming to a Major League ballpark near you. If the ball hits the data-styled.g156[id="newsletterOptinstyle__Fieldset-sc-d7sh2p-1"]{content:"HQoYx,"}/*!sc*/ Intentional walks will be permitted (meaning an automatic awarding of first base), four balls must be thrown for a walk to be awarded. If there are two outs, the batter is out because of his interference and since he is the third out, the runner cannot score. Two! .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu--open{display:block;left:auto;opacity:1;}/*!sc*/ after hitting or bunting a ball, he intentionally contacts the ball with the bat a second time in fair or foul territory. Even if the batter reaches first base on a dropped third strike, the batter is still credited with having struck out, and the pitcher records a strikeout. .hHLkAw input::placeholder{color:#aaaaaa;}/*!sc*/ In 1796, GutsMuths published the snappily titled "Spiele zur Uebung und Erholung des Krpers und Geistes fr die Jugend, ihre Erzieher und alle Freunde Unschuldiger Jugendfreuden," which translates to Games for the exercise and relaxation of the body and mind for the youth, their educators and all friends of innocent joys of youth.. , The Official Scorer shall credit a stolen base to a runner whenever the runner advances one base unaided by a hit, a putout, an error, a force-out, a fielders choice, a passed ball, a wild , If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to , Force Play Cmon, you know the words. .epHHrr{text-align:center;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;}/*!sc*/ .dLQAwR .contributor__text--name{color:#222222;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;line-height:1;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ Upon contact, the batter attempts to run around and complete a circuit of bases while the fielders attempt to get him out. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav{text-align:left;background-color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .ebrWqN:-moz-loading{color:#f3f3f3;}/*!sc*/ @media only screen and (min-width:568px){.kwDmpG{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex:1;-webkit-flex-grow:1;-ms-flex-positive:1;flex-grow:1;margin-right:8px;}}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search-item{display:block;background-color:#ffffff;font-family:'mlb-primary','Helvetica Neue','Helvetica','Arial', sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ .ggWmAj .sticky-header__header{grid-column:1 / span 8;}/*!sc*/ Utility 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. .hHLkAw input::-moz-placeholder{color:#aaaaaa;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top [class$='__nav-item__text']{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-button__close{top:6px;left:5px;}/*!sc*/ code,kbd,samp{font-family:monospace,monospace;font-size:1em;}/*!sc*/ New rules confined outs on fair balls to catches on the fly, not on one bounce. All these years later, the dropped third strike rule still has not been dropped. No longer could wily catchers try to get free outs. .mHQYb .p-search__input--sm{font-size:12px;height:30px;min-width:150px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .mlb-header__login-menu{background:#ffffff;border-top:solid 4px #002867;box-shadow:0 2px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.2);box-shadow:6px 6px 15px -3px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);left:-99em;opacity:0;padding:10px;position:absolute;right:0;-webkit-transition:opacity 1ms ease 1ms;transition:opacity 1ms ease 1ms;width:160px;z-index:99992;}/*!sc*/ The hitter swings and misses on strike 3, and the catcher drops the ball. CONTROVERSY , Ouch! as a runner or retired runner, fails to execute a legal slide, or does not attempt to avoid the fielder or the play on a force play at any base; or, intentionally interferes with a throw or a thrown ball; or he hinders a fielder on his initial attempt to field a batted ball. Batters were still allowed to advance if the third strike went uncaught.\n\nFor a time, there was occasional incentive for the catcher to drop the third strike on purpose. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo--mlb a{text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ 0. .hUHmCp > article .ad-top-right-container::before,.hUHmCp > article .ad-bottom-right-container::before{font-family:"proxima-nova";content:"ADVERTISEMENT";display:block;position:absolute;top:-17px;text-align:center;width:100%;color:#888888;font-size:0.694rem;line-height:13px;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top .header__nav-top__button-menu--icon span:nth-child(3){-webkit-transform:rotate(-45deg);-ms-transform:rotate(-45deg);transform:rotate(-45deg);}/*!sc*/ Scenario: Dropped third strike or bunt where the thrown ball hits the runner on his way to first. @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-side{display:none;}}/*!sc*/ .evwvnJ{line-height:1.5;margin:0 auto 16px;max-width:470px;padding-left:0;position:relative;width:-webkit-fit-content;width:-moz-fit-content;width:fit-content;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-extrabold-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-extrabold-italic.woff') format('woff');font-style:italic;font-weight:800;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ Theyve been dealing with it since they were kids, so the idea that a batter can reach first even when striking out is fully ingrained. May 5, 2008. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header__login-menu{border-color:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:normal;}/*!sc*/ The batter runner is considered outside the running lane lines if either foot is outside either line. Thats a good note for me! he said when informed. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .icon *{fill:currentColor;}/*!sc*/ .kwDmpG{display:block;font-weight:500;}/*!sc*/ Because even in the midst of Verlander adding to his strikeout total, Angels fans had something to celebrate. @media (min-width:1024px){.blLcNM .content{grid-column:1 / span 8;}.blLcNM .content .share-btn{-webkit-align-self:flex-end;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;margin-bottom:16px;top:0;}}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group:not(:first-child){margin-left:16px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group.cols{-webkit-column-count:2;column-count:2;-webkit-column-gap:8px;column-gap:8px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group-title{width:100%;}}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g147[id="Styles__MarkdownContainer-dxqlie-0"]{content:"eJdqRG,"}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight:hover .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ textarea{overflow:auto;}/*!sc*/ 2) Select Swinging or Looking. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav ::-webkit-scrollbar-track,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__main-nav ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb{background:transparent;}/*!sc*/ The rule we are told is that a batter can run to first on a 3rd dropped strike if first is empty, or, if there are two outs (even if a runner is on first). ","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? @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-semibold.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-semibold.woff') format('woff');font-weight:600;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ .hHLkAw input{position:relative;font-size:15px;line-height:32px;color:#444444;font-weight:400;height:32px;padding:0 8px;width:100%;background-color:#ffffff;border-radius:5px;border:1px solid #444444;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ Except that the game that we love is not called bat ball or pitch ball; its called baseball. Also, if any base comes loose from its fastening when any runner contacts it, such runner cannot be tagged out because the base slides away from him. Two teams alternate between batting and fielding, with the game divided into innings. .mHQYb header.mlb-header a:focus,.mHQYb header.mlb-header button:focus,.mHQYb header.mlb-header [class*='__nav']:focus{outline:1px dotted #fff;}/*!sc*/ .gkgVOa{display:inline-block;width:100%;height:auto;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ If the batter strikes out (swinging or looking) and the catcher does not catch the pitch before it hits the ground, the batter can run to first base. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Batters were still allowed to advance if the third strike went uncaught. If a third strike is dropped, the batter is out. ","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**_\\* \\* \\*_ \\* ***","type":"markdown"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"The story of this seemingly random rule begins not with Abner Doubleday or Henry Chadwick or Alexander Cartwright or any of the other stateside souls rightly, wrongly or debatably heralded as baseball pioneers.\n\nNo, according to an essay by Richard Hershberger of the Society for American Baseball Research, the rule traces back to Johann Christoph Friedrich GutsMuths, a German teacher and physical education advocate.\n\nIn 1796, GutsMuths published the snappily titled \"Spiele zur Uebung und Erholung des Krpers und Geistes fr die Jugend, ihre Erzieher und alle Freunde Unschuldiger Jugendfreuden,\" which translates to Games for the exercise and relaxation of the body and mind for the youth, their educators and all friends of innocent joys of youth.\n\nGutsMuths was known as the grandfather of gymnastics, but this book of childrens games expanded to other endeavors, including Ball mit Freystten -- oder das Englische Base-ball (Ball with freestates -- or English Base-ball).\n\nThe game he describes might sound familiar. The strikeout victim had reached first base. @media (min-width:768px){.cHcHkC{font-size:1.44rem;max-height:32px;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;display:block;-webkit-line-clamp:none;-webkit-box-orient:inline-axis;}.cHcHkC::before,.cHcHkC::after{display:none;}}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular-italic.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-regular-italic.woff') format('woff');font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ abbr[title]{border-bottom:none;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration:underline dotted;text-decoration:underline dotted;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-items{background-color:#041E42;}/*!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*/ If the umpire is uncertain who would have been played on, the runner closest to home shall be called out; or. template{display:none;}/*!sc*/ To them, the dropped third strike is a bit of a gut punch.\n\nYoure excited, Romo said. .fuMUTu rect{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ Runner(s) will be awarded appropriate base(s) per umpires judgment. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline--no-sponsor{margin-right:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{display:none;}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM .content{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;grid-column:1 / span 12;}/*!sc*/ Is dropped, the run counts, as it was scored prior to number. 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