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From: jimph@ihlpg.UUCP (Jim Hendricks)
Newsgroups: net.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Re: Six hit scoreless inning?
Message-ID: <531@ihlpg.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 29-May-85 14:47:52 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihlpg.531
Posted: Wed May 29 14:47:52 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 30-May-85 06:08:18 EDT
References: <2301@decwrl.UUCP> <594@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 17

> > Hmmm, that gives me an idea.  Suppose a hitter (say one without a great deal
> > of confidence) is behind the count 0-2 in the bottom of the ninth with his
> > team behind by one run, so it's imperative that he reach base.  The pitcher
> > loses control of the ball and it sails far beyond reach of either the batter
> > or catcher.  The batter could swing at the ball, striking out, and take off
> > for first.  If he beats the throw, he's reached base by striking out
> > intentionally!
> 
> 
> I believe the rule says that the catcher must drop the ball in order for the 
> runner to be able to take off for first.  In this case, if the catcher doesn't
> touch the ball,  my guess is that the batter is out on strikes. 
Wrong! If the batter can think fast enough to swing and miss at a wild
pitch, he can run to first base whether or not the catcher touches it.
It isn't too healthy for his batting average but he can do it. The only
time that a batter cannot run to first on a third strike is
when there are less than two outs and first base is occupied.