not a dropped third strike

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I read your answer regarding a dropped third strike.  I coach a varsity softball team and I teach my girls on a third strike, to always make an attempt to run to first because you just don't know if the catcher might drop the ball.  If the umpire sees that the girls do this consistently, would he still make the interference call if there was a runner at third or even second base?
Answer -
Good morning Robert,

I've gone through my archive and I'm not sure what question and answer you're talking about.  If you would write me back with more info I'll be happy to answer your question.

mark

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Thanks for your quick response, Mark.  I was referring to a question posed from 4/12/2005 titled 'third strike...not dropped'.  Here is an excerpt - Runner on 3rd, no outs. On a swinging-missed third strike that the catcher obviously catches, the third base coach yells at the hitter to run to first base...drawing a throw from the catcher. The runner scores from third. Is this runner interference according to rule 8, section 7, rule P? "A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw will be considered a form of intereference". Should the runner be out at third also?

Your answer was -- Hi Ted,
sorry to take so long I was out of town for a couple days.

I know what I would do BUT I want to give you the best answer possible. I have a friend who had the dish in the women's college championship game a few years ago. I emailed your question to him for his opinion. Please give me another day or so and I'll get you a definitive answer.
thanks
Mark

Hi again Ted,
based on your question here is the answer Bryan gave me

Hi Mark,
It sounds like to me that this is a planned play by the coach to get the throw.
I would rule that we do have interference on a player already put out so now we have the runner closest to home also out which would be the runner from 3rd.
When you make that call be ready for an argument, but the coach won't do that again for a long time.
Hope that helps,
Bryan

this is very close to my original answer, if there is absolutely no question that it was a swing and and a catch. I was thinking I might eject the coach for unsportsman-like conduct or making a travesty of the game. I would make that decision based on "being there".

Hope this helps
Mark  

Answer
Hi Robert,

This answer was given for a specific unusual instance that happened.  It was based on the opinion that this was a deliberate planned event that drew a throw on a player already out.  I asked Byran's opinion because he is one of the nation's elite umpires and instructors in fp.  I agree with it but as Byran stated we're going to have an arguement and it takes a strong experienced umpire that knows the game.

Many coaches have their team take a few steps on a 3rd strike because you never know.  When an umpire comes out with a strong "batter's out" they cannot continue to run.  I don't think you have anything to worry about.  An attempt as you put it is a common part of the game and it's different then what happened here.

let me know if you need anything more

Mark