The “Uncaught Third Strike” Mechanic is used when the batter becomes a runner due to the third strike not being caught with two outs or first base unoccupied. If you have not watched the “Safe” and “Out” Mechanic videos, you may want to do so prior to watching this video. The “Uncaught Third Strike” Mechanic is used by the Plate Umpire. In this video, we will break down the “Uncaught Third Strike” Mechanic.
1)On a pitch that is strike three and is determined to have not been caught, the signal used to indicate the third strike is by pointing with the right hand and arm out to the side using no voice. Using this signal mitigates any confusion that could occur from players misconstruing the standard strike mechanic as being an “out” call. At that point, four possibilities could occur.
2)If the ball gets away from the catcher and it is obvious to everyone that the pitch was not caught, no additional action is needed.
3)If the pitch is short-hopped by the catcher, and the batter-runner attempts to advance with no tag attempt, use the “Safe” mechanic and verbalize, “no catch”.
4)If the batter-runner attempts to advance and a tag attempt misses, use the “Safe” mechanic and verbalize, “no tag”.
5)If the batter-runner is tagged immediately, use the “out” mechanic.