Baseball trying out "Steal 1st Base Rule"

[kairos12]

A batter may run to first base on any count not "caught in flight" by the catcher, similar to the dropped third strike rule. Currently being tried out in The Atlantic League.

So, if you are up, and a wild pitch is thrown, or there is a passed ball, take off for 1st.

Have to think about this one.

[unblock]

1. When is a batter deemed to be committed to trying for 1st?

The dropped third strike rule works because a batter would otherwise be out anyway so if the pitch is dropped, the batter loses nothing to try for 1st.

On any other strike, the batter may prefer to cobtinue batting.

Maybe when the batter take two steps out of the box?

[kairos12]

2. Maybe if you are batting against an ACE who makes one mistake and throws a WP

and you take your chance because otherwise, you have no shot hitting him.

It would be a horrible way to lose a Perfect Game.

[underpants]

5. That's a good question. I'd guess once they are outside the batters box

Right hand batters would have a step to decide if they want to try it.

[brush]

3. No. As if baseball doesn't have numerous other problems that need addressing.

Figure out ways to speed up the game, like a pitch time clock or if we want to get really serious, cut the games to 7 innings like those womens' collegiate softball games. They move quickly and you don't get bored watching them.

[Cartoonist]

4. Give the pitcher something

This helps only the batter. It doesn't seem fair to the pitcher.

Here's a trade off, eliminate the check swing. If the batter goes for it and misses, it's a strike. I've seen a couple of occasions when the ball hits a check swing and it bloops over the infield for a hit. At no time did the batter say, "I didn't mean to hit it!"

[awesomerwb1]

6. Sure

And a pitcher can fire the ball to the catcher when the batter steps out of the batter's box and the catcher can tag him out.



Nope.

[Marcuse]

7. A rundown along the first base line?

[LuvLoogie]

8. No. Balls outside the strike zone are part of the game.

Might as well put a machine on the mound.