from major league baseball's official rules

[rone]

I've always wondered how the rule that allows batters to run to first after the catcher misses strike 3 is phrased in the rulebook.  I finally dug in and found it.

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6.00 The Batter

6.05
A batter is out when_ [...] (b) A third strike is legally caught by the catcher; "Legally caught" means in the catcher's glove before the ball touches the ground. [...] If smothered against his body or protector, it is a catch provided the ball struck the catcher's glove or hand first.

6.09
The batter becomes a runner when_ [...] (b) 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; When a batter becomes a base runner on a third strike not caught by the catcher and starts for the dugout, or his position, and then realizes his situation and attempts then to reach first base, he is not out unless he or first base is tagged before he reaches first base. If, however, he actually reaches the dugout or dugout steps, he may not then attempt to go to first base and shall be out.

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So, that Escobar pitch that Pierzynski swung through for strike 3, did it hit the ground before Paul caught it?  I won't say what i think.  All i know is that i can't think of a crazier play in baseball in my experience.

Comments

The Pine Tar Game

[rotojeff.livejournal.com]

I'd say the George Brett Pine Tar game back in the 80's comes pretty close. For more, go here:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/boxscore/07241983.shtml

Regards,

Jeff

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

That was certainly a crazy call, but what makes that game memorable is all George Brett's reaction.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

Hey, i used to be one of your customers. I stopped playing fantasy sports, though, i wanted to spend that time on other stuff.

Other Stuff

[rotojeff.livejournal.com]

It can be a major time-suck; I can empathize. I have a one-year old daughter now, and it's amazing how quickly priorities can change.

In the words of Bartles & James, thanks for your support.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

My pleasure; you guys have a good product.

Merkle's Boner

[rotojeff.livejournal.com]

Actually, debate about the play on our staff message board included a much better example:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/boxscore/09231908.shtml

This is the sort of thing that actually makes me a bigger fan of baseball - the unusual plays, rules, the idea that something remarkable can happen in any single game. Good times...