Dropped Third Strike Question

Question
I need your input on this play. In the 15 year old level, with the bases loaded, 2 outs, the batter checked his swing with two strikes. The catcher dropped the ball, did not tag the batter but then appealed the check swing to the first base umpire. the umpire signaled that he did go around - third strike and batter is out. However, the problem I have is the catcher did not tag the batter until after the appeal - inning over. Should the batter have run while the appeal was made? It seems unfair that he just stood there while the appeal was made while it was a live ball.

Answer
Mike,

On an appeal, the ball is still live.  Chances are, if the batter ran, as an umpire, I would have called a strike, knowing that he went around (him running to first is him telling me that he went around).  However, on a check swing, it is still a dropped third strike if the base umpire rules that he went.

Sticky situation, but it still constitutes a dropped third strike.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover