It most circumstances in baseball, a catcher must catch the third strike in order for the batter to be put out. This rule applies to any called third strike or swinging third strike against the batter. It does not apply to strikeouts called on a fouled bunt attempt when the batter already has two strikes against him.
Rules for No Runner on First, or Two Outs
When there is no runner on first or when there are two outs, a swinging or called third strike must be “legally caught” by the catcher before hitting the ground. If the catcher is unable to legally catch the ball, the runner can attempt to advance to first base and there is no automatic out. At this point, the batter-runner must be tagged out by the catcher or forced out throwing the ball to a player who touches first base before the batter-runner reaches the base.
After a controversial play in the 2005 American League Championship Series, Major League Baseball adopted a new rule with regard to dropped third strikes. This new rule states that if a batter does not recognize the third strike was not caught and leaves the batting circle without making an effort to advance to first base, the batter-runner is automatically out.
Rules for First Base Occupied, or Fewer Than Two Outs
When first base is already occupied or there are fewer than two outs, the catcher does not have to catch the third strike. In this situation, the batter is automatically called out. This way, a catcher could not intentionally drop a third strike and then attempt to get a double play. Without this rule, a catcher could attempt to throw to second to force the runner from first base, and then have another member of the defense throw to first to force a double play against the batter-runner.
Rules Defining Legal Catch
With regard to caught third strike rules, the Major League Baseball rulebook defines a legal catch as a ball caught by the catcher's mitt prior to it hitting the ground. A ball lodged in equipment, clothing or similar playing gear does not count as a legal catch for this rule.
Scoring Rules
Regardless of whether the third strike is legally caught by the catcher, a strikeout is still credited to the pitcher. In the event that the third strike is not caught by the catcher, and the batter reaches base, the play would be scored as a strikeout and a wild pitch or passed ball. A wild pitch would be scored if the scorer determines that the pitch was not catchable with ordinary effort. A passed ball would be charged if the ball was catchable with ordinary effort.
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