In baseball, each batter is given three chances---three strikes---to hit the ball into play. These chances are pitches that the umpire has ruled as hittable, that is, in the strike zone. If the batter fails to get hit off these three pitches, he is struck out. Although this sounds quite simple on the face of it, baseball is known for its complex and nuanced rules. Like many other aspects of the sport, the rules with regard to the third strike include various special circumstances.
Third Strike
When a player either swings at and misses a ball that the umpire deems within the strike zone, or allows it to pass, he is called out. The strike zone consists of the area of space within which each batter can be expected to hit the ball effectively, usually over the width of the plate and between the batter's chest and knees. According to MLB.com, a strikeout in which the batter swings at the third strike is scored with a forwards "K" and one in which the batter does not swing is scored with a backwards "K".
Fouls
Whereas fouls hit by the player out of fair territory may count as the first two strikes against him, the third strike cannot normally be a foul ball. According to the Baseball Almanac, the third can only be a foul ball if it is caught by the catcher after it has made contact with the batter's bat and before it makes contact with the ground.
Bunts
The player can choose to bunt on any pitch, but if the resulting bunt is ruled foul on the third strike, the batter is declared out. For this reason, batters rarely choose to bunt with two strikes against them, as foul bunts are fairly common, even for talented bunters.
Uncaught Third Strike
The most important third strike rule is that the catcher must catch the third strike if no other player on the offensive team is on first base. According to the Baseball Almanac, if the catcher drops the ball, allows it to touch the ground before he has retained it within his glove, allows it to become lodged in his clothing or paraphernalia, or allows it to touch the umpire before it is caught, the runner may run to first and the catcher must throw the batter out.
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