Third Strike Legally Caught
Rule 6.05(b)

Some History and Some Thoughts
by Brent McLaren

References to the what we now know as the "Third Strike Legally Caught" go back as far as the early Knickerbocker codifications of the rules drafted by Alexander Cartwright: "Section 5 - Three balls being struck at and missed and the last one caught is a hand out; if not caught, is considered fair, the striker bound to run."

One reference document identifies this rule as being part of the original 1845 rules adopted by the New York Baseball Club, another states that this rule was first introduced in 1858 as part of the National Association of Base Ball Players rules, which stated "11. If three balls are struke at and missed, and the last one is not caught either flying or upon first bound, it shall be considered fair, and the striker must attempt to make his run." and reinforced this by "13. (The striker is out) if three balls are struck at and missed, and the last is caught, either before touching the ground or upon the first bound."

In the 1845 resolutions, the definition of when a ball was "caught" was found in "Section 6 - A ball being struck, or tipped and caught either flying or on the first bound is a hand out." that continued the tradition of allowing for a ball to be considered a catch if it was on the first bounce.

The National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs Playing Rules for 1876 presented some unique challenges for the umpire. Amid the requirements of "Rule V. - Batting Department" are found this part of Section 7: "When two strikes have been called, should the batsman not strike at the next "good ball" the umpire shall warn him by calling "good ball." But should he strike at and fail to hit the ball, or should he fail to strike at or hit the next good ball, "three strikes" must be called, and the batsman must run to first base as in the case of hitting a fair ball." This is then added to with this part of "Section 15. (The batsman shall be declared out by the umpire as follows:) If after three strikes have been called, the ball be caught before touching the ground or after touching the ground but once."

From the beginning two things are clear: after having a third strike called the batsman was required to run to first base, and if the catcher caught the third strike an out was declared. Catching the ball was an integral part of a "hand out" ... part of the game from day one. After all "Three hand outs, all out."

By 1880 the National League playing rules required the ball to be momentarily held before it hit the ground or some other object. It was no longer acceptable to catch a ball after it had touched the ground. It is important to remember that prior to the 1880's the catcher wore little or no equipment and normally stood 25 or more feet behind the batter. The requirement of 1880 forced the catcher to move up at least for the third strike, and by the 1900's the shinpads, chest protectors and mask we now recognize became standard. In 1901 the rules changed and the catcher was required to play no more then 10 feet beyond the batter.

The term "legally caught" appeared in 1950, and was added to disallow a ball lodged in the catcher's clothing or equipment. This was also a small part of the 1880 rule which forbid the use of a cap or hat as part of the "catch"

The final paragraph of the Official Notes appeared in 1976, one hundred years after the original Major League Code. It added the explanation of balls that are tipped and subsequently caught.

So, as many believe, it is not an error on the part of the catcher, but a requirement of the batter to run, and one of the ways of attaining an out.

Umpire Mechanics

In many associations, this has become a can of worms. Why? Well, first it is considered bad form on the part of the umpire to ever declare "The Batter's Out!" No where is this particularly more dangerous then on a ball tipped down that may have been caught or may have been trapped by the catcher. With a runner on second or third base, the potential for the umpire to make a mistake looms large. Other associations and leagues argue that the umpire has to make all sorts of calls, and so their crews call and signal the world. I fall into the "say as little as possible" crowd.

In every case saying nothing is better then saying something. Signal (and verbally call if necessary) the strike three, and then only if you are absolutely certain the ball has been legally caught, signal, but do not verbalize, the out. If there is any question in your mind, your decision can always be weighed in a conversation with your partner after any potential plays have occurred. Above all, take your time. There is no speed requirement to make these calls. The time between the signal of the strike, and the signal of the "out" can be as long as you want it to be. Better late and right, then early and reversed.

What is going to happen? If the catcher even remotely thinks the ball touched the ground he will immediately scoop it and tag the batter who is usually standing in the box awaiting the tag. Many catchers do this even on a clear catch. If it was a trapped ball and the runner does not run, the tag takes care of the obligation to make the out. If it was a clean catch, and the runner has started to run either you make the out call, or your partner signals "That's a catch" and then you can follow it by "He's out!" both signalled and verbally given.

The problem that usually occurs in youth baseball deals with players who are instructed to always run on a third strike. They run whether or not first base is open, whether or not the ball was caught. Now the problem for the youth league umpire compounds itself. My personal rule of thumb for this situation goes like this:

• The players are always expected to know the game situation.
• The catcher should know whether he will have to play the batter on the third strike.
• The managers and coaches are expected to know the game situation and to have prepared their players.
• If, the batter is running in a situation that he cannot legally run, a situation of which I am 100% certain, I will announce in a voice that is audible to the catcher and batter, "The batter's out, the batter's out." This is not enunciated to the dugouts or stands. It is simply a reminder to the players, many of whom are working under this rule for the first time. This is done with two arm-low pumped out signals, not the full out I would use on bases.
• If I have any doubt on the status of the catch, I will not make any signal, but will look to my partner. As a matter of course, we regularly inform each other of the status of every third strike, or potentially third strike pitch immediately, without an appeal request from the defense. A grabbed fist means a catch, pointing to the ground means the ball hit the ground.

In Summary

1. The rule has existed since the first resolutions of baseball.
2. The batter is required to run if contact is not made with a third strike.
3. The umpire should signal the strike and verbalize it if neccessary.
4. The catcher is required to legally catch the ball in order to make an out.
5. If the catcher does not catch the ball, the out must be attained at first base.
6. The umpire should say as little as possible, and take as much time as required to make one, accurate out signal.

April 2003

The opinions expressed above are solely those of the author and do not reflect the policy, practice, teaching or instruction of any individual, organization, association or group.