What's the rule: Bases Loaded dropped third strike, double play?

[jbolt_2000]

Just a general question. In our league we do not allow running on dropped third strikes, but I was reading a coaching book the other day about how to handle a dropped stike for a catcher and it got me thinking.

If the bases are loaded and the catcher drops the third strike (with less than two outs), can he turn a double play by stepping on home plate and throwing to first? Or with bases loaded is the batter automatically out?

If it is allowed, what keeps the catcher from dropping it on purpose to get the double play?

[Baseball gLove]

Just a general question. In our league we do not allow running on dropped third strikes, but I was reading a coaching book the other day about how to handle a dropped stike for a catcher and it got me thinking.

If the bases are loaded and the catcher drops the third strike (with less than two outs), can he turn a double play by stepping on home plate and throwing to first? Or with bases loaded is the batter automatically out?

If it is allowed, what keeps the catcher from dropping it on purpose to get the double play?

Bases full, batter is out on a dropped third strike with less than 2 outs. Same if there is a runner occuping first, even if the runner on 1st was stealing 2nd base.

[jbolt_2000]

Bases full, batter is out on a dropped third strike with less than 2 outs. Same if there is a runner occuping first, even if the runner on 1st was stealing 2nd base.

Cool - thanks. I figured it was simple.

[jbooth]

Just a general question. In our league we do not allow running on dropped third strikes, but I was reading a coaching book the other day about how to handle a dropped stike for a catcher and it got me thinking.

If the bases are loaded and the catcher drops the third strike (with less than two outs), can he turn a double play by stepping on home plate and throwing to first? Or with bases loaded is the batter automatically out?

If it is allowed, what keeps the catcher from dropping it on purpose to get the double play?

An uncaught third strike is the same as if the batter hit a fair ball. He becomes a runner, so any resulting play is the same as if he hit the ball fair.

HOWEVER, he is only allowed to become a runner if there are 2 outs, OR first base is unoccupied. So, in your play, the batter is out and does not become a runner, because first base was occupied with less than 2 outs.

Rule 6.09(b)