Dropped 3rd Strike, 1 out, 1st base occupied

The question is this. 1st base occupied, dropped third strike. Catcher places a tag that is very close, ump signals out, but girls still runs to first. Catcher panics, makes throwing error to first. Lead runner advances to 3rd. Here are the rules that I know of

Sec 8, 7P - ... A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw may be considered a form of interference. This does not apply to a batter-runner who is entitled to run on the dropped third strike rule. effect dead ball

Sec 8, 1B - when the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground and there are: 1) fewer that two outs and first base is not occupied, and 2) any time there are two outs.

8, 7P infers that batter does not become batter/runner because there is no dropped 3rd strike.

Can it be construed that running when not allowed (no dropped 3rd strike, no batter/runner) constitutes offensive interference and is ruled dead ball.

Honestly, I see it that the catcher shouldn't of panicked, but I also see that running when you shouldn't would cause dead ball.

Thanks - E

If it is I have never seen it called.

Learning opportunity for C.

What can confuse the C is when the runner on 1st is stealing. Batter is still out.

This is an example of why having good game-smarts is CRITICAL for catchers.

Did umpire only signal the out, or did they make a verbal out call as well? Being as the plate umpire is behind both the batter and the catcher if there were no verbal call neither player would have any idea if the umpire made any call at all.

I have seen it called in Little League baseball. I'm 99 percent sure that the umpire could call interference but it has to be pretty blatant. A better
idea is to make sure the catchers know the rules.

The bigger issue I've seen from catchers is that they catch a pitch on a short hop and not think that this is a dropped 3rd.

We instruct our players to run on strike 3 EVERY TIME, and we have not had an issue with an interference call. However, I have seen a batter called out for running on strike 2. Ump claimed it was an intentional act to distract the defense. It wasn't.

Ump can call a strike if the batter leaves the box. Just one of those things. Intention probably comes into their decision but it does not need to be intentioal.

I would prefer both our and the other Team to run until told something different.

quincy said:

Ump can call a strike if the batter leaves the box. Just one of those things. Intention probably comes into their decision but it does not need to be intentioal.

I would prefer both our and the other Team to run until told something different.

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At 10U, you would expect a little wider range of tolerance for that kind of thing.

This particular guy is still my favorite (sarcasm) ump ever. He "didn't see" a runner cross right in front of him during a play at 2B, yet couldn't explain how the runner at 3B was no longer at 3B. The run would have broken a 1-1 tie.

It's a live ball game. 2 outs, runner on 3B.

Comp said:

Did umpire only signal the out, or did they make a verbal out call as well? Being as the plate umpire is behind both the batter and the catcher if there were no verbal call neither player would have any idea if the umpire made any call at all.

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The ump only signaled with his hand out, no verbal call.