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I would have - Strike 3 - Dropped 3rd Strike (Can't run to 1st with 1 out). But I would think dead ball. Runners can't advance as ball was hit by the offensive team(unintentionally) and it would be possible that the second hit causes the ball to bounce far enough away to allow the runner to steal. What if the ball is dribbled back to the pitcher? Could they turn a DP? I do not have my rulebook with me, but I do recall a question on the state recertification exam about follow through interference. I think this would fit that rule. It would be interesting to get other opinions.
Strike three. Batter out. Live ball seems right to me.
No reason to kill it.
It wasn't a batted ball. Same as any thrown ball that hits a runner, a piece of equipment or an umpire.
Without investigating it seems like the ball should have been dead. What would happen if that ball went into the dugout or stands? You can't reward the base runner for an illegally batted ball.
That's one heck of a follow through - or a "man hack" as players call it.
Definitely strike 3 batters out. Would be a very "interesting" case with 2 outs - since the batter could then go to first.
Perhaps this could fall into the "follow through interference" category depending on what the runner did and where the ball went. That would be a delayed dead ball situation. By the letter of the rule though the bat didn't hit the catcher, but the players actions of follow through could interfere with the catcher's ability to make a play...
I'm glad to see every one has as many thoughts on this as I did. I would still love to see if someone can find a book interpretation. I looked but couldn't find a direct relate.
I'm glad to see every one has as many thoughts on this as I did. I would still love to see if someone can find a book interpretation. I looked but couldn't find a direct relate.
In OBR, it's in the (old) 6.06(c) CMT: If (the play above), it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball shall be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play.
In HS, it's case 7.3.5C: B3 is currently up to bat with a 3-2 count, swings and misses at the pitch and contact the catcher on his follow-through. The result of the contact knocks F2 to the ground causing him to drop the ball. B3 runs to first base and is safe. RULING: B3 is ruled out.
Note that the penalty is different between the codes if there are any runners.
It's the same rule whether the follow through hits the ball or the catcher. In FED, See case 7.3.5F for an example (albeit with a runner on base so the penalty is different).
Agree with noumpire 100%. Ball is dead immediately
What about a similar play that doesn't involve the bat?
Batter swings at strike three, which is already in the dirt as it passes the plate.
Batter immediately begins running toward first base.
Ball bounces off the catcher's shin guards and spins about in fair territory just in front of the plate.
Batter-runner, looking toward first base and apparently unaware that the ball is in his path, inadvertently kicks the ball after he has left the batters box.
What's the call?
I had it as a live ball. No interference.
What about a similar play that doesn't involve the bat?
Batter swings at strike three, which is already in the dirt as it passes the plate.
Batter immediately begins running toward first base.
Ball bounces off the catcher's shin guards and spins about in fair territory just in front of the plate.
Batter-runner, looking toward first base and apparently unaware that the ball is in his path, inadvertently kicks the ball after he has left the batters box.
What's the call?
I had it as a live ball. No interference.
You are right. Situation 8-4-1I actually states this. As long as you can articulate it was unintentional
The batter is out because 1st base was occupied with less than 2 outs. That's in Rule 7 and also in Rule 8.4.1.
The ball is dead under 5.1.1. So no runners may legally advance.