stealing first

Question
How can a batter steal first after having struck out?

Answer
A batter can NOT steal first base.  BUT---when a pitcher records a strikeout, the catcher must catch the ball on the third strike to get the putout (the catcher is the one who gets the out in the scoreboook, just like a first baseman gets the putout when someone throws a grounder to him and he steps on first for the force out.)

If the catcher drops that third strike, or it goes past him, there can be a force play at first base, BUT THIS HAPPENS ONLY IF FIRST BASE IS EMPTY...if it is, the batter can run for first...and if he makes it, it will go down in the scorebook as E-2.

In fact, because of this rule, there have been times in the Major Leagues when a pitcher has struck out four men in an inning (because the catcher dropped one of the third strikes and they guy made it to first!)

If someone is on first base, and the batter strikes out, he is just out, no matter where the ball may go.

I guess it looks like a runner "stealing first base" when a batter makes it to first this way, but it would not be a stolen base.  It would just be scored a K (strikeout) for the pitcher, and E-2 (error on the catcher.)

Hope this helps.

----------------->I forgot: the catcher can also step on home plate once he recovers the ball, and the runner is forced out if he hasn't reached first...he doesn't have to make the throw to first.