You make the Call

Question
QUESTION: I see alot of people asking about the pitched ball hitting the ground and bouncing before crossing the plate and being considered a "third" dropped strike.  Is it still considered a strike if the batter stands there and does not swing because of it being a "low" pitch?

ANSWER: hi kevin
thanks for the question.
no, it is not a strike if the batter does not swing.

if the batter does swing, the batter may run and the throw needs to be made to 1b to retire the batter/runner.

hope this helps.
steve

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

QUESTION: Question:  Runner on third (leading off), 3rd baseman standing straddling the base, one foot (left) in fair territory and one foot (right) in foul territory.  The pitcher makes a clean pick-off move to third and the base umpire called a 揃ALK?stating the 3rd baseman was in fair territory.  Is this the correct call?


Must a pitcher step behind the rubber (towards second base) in order to properly disengage the rubber?  Can a right handed pitcher (in the stretch) step with his pivot foot back (toward first base) to disengage the rubber?  Can a pitcher (in the stretch) bring his pivot foot forward (toward home plate) to disengage the rubber?

Answer
hi kevin

different organizations have different rulings:

even if the position is not legal--it is not a balk--just tell the player he needs to be in fair territory.

it is customary to not worry as long as one foot is in fair.

to step off the rubber, the pitcher should go behind the rubber.
b) The Set Position. Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his entire pivot foot on, or in front of, and in contact with, and not off the end of the pitcher's plate, and his other foot in front of the pitcher's plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop. From such Set Position he may deliver the ball to the batter, throw to a base or step backward off the pitcher's plate with his pivot foot

the pitcher needs to step backwards.

hope this helps.
steve