How Can a Batter Strikeout, but Still Reach Base?

Taking a look at the rule in baseball about how a batter can strikeout, but still reach base.
0:00 - intro
0:23 - overview
1:58 - stats
3:17 - why the limits?
3:41 - do you have to run?
4:13 - recap

[@amanshanker359]

When an indian guy is watching your videos to learn baseball, you know your channel has reached enough distance. Gained an Indian Sub !

[@lucyallison4831]

your videos are extremely well-made and I feel they don't get nearly enough attention! thank you for taking the time to make them - as a British person interested in American sports I've found them really helpful!

[@TheOnDeckCircle]

Thanks, glad you like them!

[@matheusribeiro7080]

​@@TheOnDeckCircle I reinforce what Lucy already told. You have one of the best well explained rules of baseball videos on youtube. Thanks

[@dogpatch75]

FYI- With all normal K's, the catcher is credited with a putout. With the dropped third strike, the catcher gets a putout only if he tags the runner [K/2U]. If he throws to 1B, he gets an assist with F3 (or F4) getting the putout [K/2-3]. If the batter reaches safely, it would be scored: [K/PB] or [K/WP] or [K/E2] or [K/E3].

[@jeffdollaz]

Nice breakdown I used to play in hs but I never understood that rule

[@baberoot1998]

So...the main reason for the rule to begin with...is...to keep the catcher from fabricating a cheap double play. Makes sense. Much like an infielder dropping a fly ball, (if there is a man already on first), and turning a simple double play. Makes sense.

[@kcgunesq]

No, that is the reason the batter can't become a runner when there is someone occupying 1st base with less than 2 outs. i don't know that anyone knows why the uncaught thrid strike rule allows the batter to advance other than that was the way it always was.

[@MH-Tesla]

In high school and Little League, the batter is not out until he enters the dugout (or leaves field of play.) He can still run to 1st even if almost to the dugout.

[@ecwork09]

If a batter is hit by pitch but the umpire determines that the pitch was in the strike zone, could the batter still take first if the ball bounces away from the catcher?

[@dogpatch75]

If the batter did not swing it is "hit by pitch" (dead ball). If the batter swings, it is a foul ball.

[@kcgunesq]

To be clear, the uncaught third strike rule doesn't apply to Little League proper. Other youth leagues, such as USSSA allow the runner to advance at his peril starting at 9U IIRC.

[@MH-Tesla]

It DOES apply to Little League!

[@kcgunesq]

@@MH-Tesla I'm open to being wrong. At what age does the rule apply?

[@MH-Tesla]

@@kcgunesq Every League has to apply it in majors. Little League has, T-ball, minors, majors, intermediate, juniors, seniors. Majors is 9-12u but some leagues limit majors to 11-12U. They cannot choose to not apply the uncaught 3rd strike rule at majors and above. Younger levels may choose to not apply that rule.

[@ironlionzion1380]

Stupid rule which rewards players for intentionally playing worse. Imagine an 0-2 count and the pitcher throws a wild pitch. In the batter's best interest is not to do the right thing (taking the pitch) but to actually intentionally swing and miss (obviously with no chance of hitting the ball) and strike out, because by striking out he will be able to reach first, but not if the count is 1-2. MLB should have long since abolished this farce.