First base is occupied. Strike 3 is called. Runner on first base breaks for second base. Is the batter out, or can he run to first base?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I'm assuming the 3rd strike was not caught. The batter can't run if 1st base is occupied with less than two outs, but the base runner can at his own risk.
Scenario is: third strike is not caught. What if there is less than 2 outs?
As I stated, if there are less than two outs he can't run, if there are two outs he can. The reason he can't run with LESS than two outs, is to prevent the catcher from dropping the 3rd strike on purpose inorder to turn a double play.
This is one of the basic rules of baseball at the "above kiddy ball" level. It is a foundation rule that you will have to master to do higher baseball..
Hatman, I see in your profile that you are a rookie umpire.. good for you and welcome to the blue side....
Since this is a HS baseball site, I always try to quote NFHS rules. Here is your relavent rules quote....(if you need NCAA or OBR references, I can supply that as well).....
NFHS rule 7 section 4 article b
A batter is out when:
a third strike is not caught , provided that a runner occupies first base and there are less than two outs..
Note: If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out unless the third strike is caught. the batter is entitiled to try and reach first base beofer being tagged out or thrown out.
Also for clarification, the term "Caught" in this ruling means caught in flight....so any ball gloved by a catcher after it touches the ground would not be considered caught for the purposes of this rule.......
hope this helps. best of luck.....Also I see you are in Pennsylvania, as I am also...if there is anything I can do to help you along please dont hesitate to ask.
Hatman, I see in your profile that you are a rookie umpire.. good for you and welcome to the blue side....
Since this is a HS baseball site, I always try to quote NFHS rules. Here is your relavent rules quote....(if you need NCAA or OBR references, I can supply that as well).....
NFHS rule 7 section 4 article b
A batter is out when:
a third strike is not caught , provided that a runner occupies first base and there are less than two outs..
Note: If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out unless the third strike is caught. the batter is entitiled to try and reach first base beofer being tagged out or thrown out.
Also for clarification, the term "Caught" in this ruling means caught in flight....so any ball gloved by a catcher after it touches the ground would not be considered caught for the purposes of this rule.......
hope this helps. best of luck.....Also I see you are in Pennsylvania, as I am also...if there is anything I can do to help you along please dont hesitate to ask.
Yes, I am asking about HS rules. Thanks cccsdad and piaa_ump.
Is there a web site posting the NFHS rules?
no they are proprietary, you must purchase a rulebook.
Corrrect, NFHS rules are not online.....you can get the rule books and case book from the NFHS at
National Federation of State High School Associations
Customer Service Department
P.O, Box 361246
Indianapolis, In 46236-5324
1-800-776-3462
or if you let me know where in Pa you are I can hook you up with the contact information for your local chapter of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Umpires. Im sure they would be able to get you a copy along with the testing information to get you state certified...
National Federation of State High School Associations
Customer Service Department
P.O, Box 361246
Indianapolis, In 46236-5324
1-800-776-3462
or if you let me know where in Pa you are I can hook you up with the contact information for your local chapter of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Umpires. Im sure they would be able to get you a copy along with the testing information to get you state certified...
You'll see some teams/players run anyway in a less than 2 out situation, some from just not knowing the rule, and some do it to try to take advantage of the defensive team not knowing the rule. Granted, the batter-runner will still be out, but they run anyway to try and get the catcher to hurry a throw to first and maybe make a throwing error which allows any other runners to advance on the error, which I believe would be legal. Anyway, I've see it work.
Rulebooks are great. The NFHS book is pretty cheap if I remember, maybe 7 or 8 bucks. Every coach should have one, in fact I think players should also.
Rulebooks are great. The NFHS book is pretty cheap if I remember, maybe 7 or 8 bucks. Every coach should have one, in fact I think players should also.
I always teach the hitter to run to first on that play and you would not beleive how many catchers make a bad throw and aloow runners to move up.