NEWSLETTER
I feel bad at a human level for high school baseball players who not only lose a championship game, but also lose in a way that puts them in the spotlight like this. It has to suck so much.
But the play, itself, and its gravity is just too wild not to share. And, from the flip side, I’m sure the other team was absolutely thrilled to pull out a game because they never gave up ….
When a third strike hits the dirt, as you know, the batter can run to first base. He must be tagged out or forced out at first base to complete the play. Otherwise, even though he “struck out,” he’s safe and the inning continues. It’s a weird and silly thing when it happens, and it can definitely impact an inning. But I have DEFINITELY never seen it impact a game like this, much less DECIDE A CHAMPIONSHIP WHILE THE LOSING TEAM CELEBRATES ON THE FIELD:
You can see the confusion almost immediately – not helped by the fact that both teams are wearing red – as the umpires maybe weren’t as loud or bold in their safe calls. But you can see that the home plate umpire does indicate that the batter is not yet out when he takes off for first base. The catcher never throws to first, instead heading out to celebrate the “victory” with his pitcher. The runners keep going, more confusion, and then you can see a runner realize that, no, in fact, he just won the game for his team as he crossed home plate.
And that one poor defender. He knew what was happening all along, but he couldn’t get the attention of his teammates or the ball. Like I said, I do feel bad for these kids at a human level. But I also respect the other kids for just going going going – nothing bugs me more than when a batter just stands there after a dropped third strike and never even TRIES to force the catcher to make a throw.
