Imagine you’re at a baseball game, and the batter swings for the third strike but the catcher misses the ball. This scenario, known as the dropped third strike, can turn the game on its head.
In both baseball and softball, this rule states that if the catcher fails to cleanly catch the third strike, the batter can attempt to advance to first base.
The dropped third strike rule adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the game. It’s addressed in Rules 5.05 and 5.09 of the Official Baseball Rules, making it a critical aspect for players and fans alike.