bounced, but not dropped third strike

Question
QUESTION: With first base unoccupied, the batter swung and missed a bounced third strike, but the catcher caught the ball cleanly after the bounce. The batter ran to first and beat the throw. The batter was allowed to remain on first.  Since the catcher did not drop the ball, shouldn't the batter be out?

ANSWER: Tim,
The umpire got this one right.  A "dropped" third strike doesn't necessarily mean that someone has to drop anything.    Simply put, a third strike that hits the ground before being controlled by the catcher is a "dropped third strike" and the batter must be thrown out at first.  Hope this helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Donovan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: With no runners on base, if the pitcher is into his windup and then stops without throwing the ball, shouldn't this be a balk, with a ball added to the batter's count?

Answer
Tim,
No.  The balk rule is in place to keep the pitcher from deceiving a baserunner, not the hitter.  In this instance, because there are no baserunners, the ruling would be a "no pitch" because no advantage is gained, either way.  I hope this helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Donovan