Saw this situation tonight:
- nobody out, nobody on
- swinging strike 3 on a low pitch.
- catcher thought he had legallly caught it.
- batter runs to first
- catcher threw to 3rd base as he does after every legitimate strike out.
- umpire had thought it hit the ground first.
- coach asked him to check with field ump
- the play stood; runner now on first
Obviously the catcher should have thrown to 1st if there was any question in his mind whatsoever. But he didn't.
Here's my question -- is there anything the plate ump is supposed to do, say, or signal to indicate that it was not a legally caught 3rd strike?
I'm sure this is basic umpiring 101 stuff for our seasoned umps, but I"m interested, since it made a signfiicant difference in the ballgame.
Thanks!
P.S. Didn't this same thing happen last year in MLB playoffs?
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