What Is the Drop Third Strike Rule? Can Someone Explain!?

I’m at a baseball or softball tournament almost every weekend. My baseball teams are older and used to the real rules, but my softball team is young and only now getting exposed to the real rules that govern softball from 10U through college. A tournament we recently competed in threw us for a loop when we found out that “drop third strike” is in play.

If you’ve ever watched your kid strike out and then—confusingly—take off running to first base while everyone in the stands is yelling different things… welcome to the beautiful chaos of the drop third strike rule.

As a longtime coach, I’m used to this baseball and softball rule. But, during that tournament, I heard more parents question why there wasn’t an out recorded after a drop third, and spent quite a bit of time explaining the rule to them in between coaching my baserunners on. So, I thought I should break it down in plain English. I’ll explain what the rule actually says, what it means in real life, and why it even exists in the first place.

What Is the Drop Third Strike Rule?

The drop third strike (sometimes called the uncaught third strike rule) allows a batter to try to run to first base after a strikeout… but only under certain conditions.

Here’s the quick version:

If the catcher drops or fails to catch the third strike cleanly, and first base is unoccupied OR there are two outs, the batter is allowed to run to first. The defense must then tag the batter or throw them out—just like any other runner.

So even though it was the third strike, it’s not always an automatic out. If the catcher drops the ball, the pitcher bounces the pitch (think curveballs), or the umpire calls a strike on a wild pitch (not impossible), the batter may run to first under the above-mentioned conditions. I know, it’s confusing.

The Actual Wording (From the Official Baseball Rules)

The rulebook states:

“A batter becomes a runner when the third strike called by the umpire is not caught, provided (1) first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch, or (2) there are two outs.”

This is where it gets tricky. The “dropped third strike rule” (yep, same rule, different name) depends on base runners and outs.

When Does It Apply?

Let’s break it into two key scenarios:

• Two outs: The batter can run no matter what—even if first base is occupied.
• Less than two outs: The batter can run only if first base is unoccupied at the time of the pitch.

Tip: A base is considered “occupied” even if a runner is stealing. So if the runner took off for second, but was on first when the pitch was delivered, first base is still “occupied.”

But, if you’re wondering when in your child’s baseball or softball career it applies, here’s what I can tell you. With the baseball, we never did dropped third strike or other rules like “infield fly” until they reached 12U. Not in tournament or league play. With softball, the rule applies at 10U, as 10U softball players play by the same rules as high school softball players. There is a local travel softball league that doesn’t use it, and I much prefer those rules.

Common Questions From Parents (And Confused Players)

“Why does this rule even exist?”

Great question! The idea goes all the way back to early English base ball where catchers didn’t wear protective equipment and rarely caught every pitch. The rule was created to keep catchers honest—if they couldn’t catch strike three, the batter becomes a runner and can still try to reach base safely.

“Can a catcher just tag the batter?”

Absolutely. The catcher can either tag the batter before they reach first base, or make a clean throw to first baseman. If neither happens, and the batter gets there before the throw? They’re safe—even though they technically struck out.

“What if there are runners on base?”

This is where the game strategy kicks in. A dropped 3rd strike with bases loaded and two outs? The catcher better throw it clean or tag the runner fast—or it’s a disaster. Think: run scores, inning extended, maybe even a double play opportunity for the offense if the defense melts down.

What It Looks Like in Action

Imagine this:

It’s the third inning, there are two outs, and a batter swings at a curveball in the dirt. The catcher drops it—it’s ruled a dropped third strike. The batter sprints to first, the catcher throws high, and it sails into right field. A run scores.

Now multiply that by every time a young team forgets the strike rule or doesn’t know the official baseball rules. It gets wild fast.

Why It Matters (And How to Coach It)

If you’re a parent, the uncaught third strike can feel unfair—but it’s a great way to teach hustle and game awareness. And as a coach, I love it. It gives kids a second chance and rewards teams that pay attention.

Here’s what I tell my players:

• Catchers: Always be ready to block and throw.
• Pitchers: Keep the ball out of the dirt when you can, or make sure you catcher can block (good gear helps!).
• Batters: Run until someone tags you or you hear “OUT!”
• Parents: Cheer loud… and don’t worry if you’re confused. So are most of the MLB fans.

Extra Weirdness: No-Hitters, and the Drop Third Strike

Yep—it even shows up in MLB history. There have been games where drop thirds have played a part in no-hitters. For example, in 2008, Jared Weaver and Jose Arredondo of the Angels combined for a no-hitter, but still lost. The only run scored by the Dodgers came after a dropped third strike, a fielder’s choice, an error, and a sacrifice fly.

In 2001, AJ Burnett pitched a no-hitter for the Marlins, and a batter reached based on a dropped third strike (as well as his 9 walks and a hit batter, but hey, a no-hitter is a no-hitter).

Final Thought: Don’t Overthink It

This rule might seem confusing, but it’s just one more reason baseball and softball are beautiful, messy, and full of lessons. So next time you see a kid run on a strikeout, smile. That’s the uncaught third strike rule in action—and they’re probably just doing what their coach yelled from the dugout.