What is the 'Drop Ball 3rd Strike Rule'? And why is everyone yelling at me!?!?
Think of it as your lifeboat 
in a sea of strikes!
When the catcher does not catch the third strike cleanly (the ball is dropped or missed), the batter is allowed to attempt to run to first base, but only under certain conditions:
When First base is unoccupied (at the time of the pitch).
OR
When there are two outs, regardless of whether first base is occupied.
Here are a few scenarios:
Scenario 1: If first base is occupied (meaning there is a runner on the bag) and there is only 1 out, the batter is automatically out, even if the catcher drops the ball.
Scenario 2: If first base is occupied (meaning there is a runner on the bag) but there are 2 outs, then the batter can run, but so must the runner at first base. When this happens, the defence has 2 options.
They can tag the batter or runner at home plate, or throw to first base before the batter reaches it. First base only needs to touch their bag (this would be considered a force).
Scenario 3: the bases are loaded (aka. all occupied) and there are 2 outs. The batter CAN attempt to run to first base, however all runners must advance. This would create a force at all bases, including home which means the catcher could just step on the plate and the runner from third would be out!
Ok, now TRICK QUESTION, what if there is only 1 out but the person steals from first to second at the same time as the 3rd strike drop ball??
The batter would be out! As first base was occupied at the time of the pitch.
Why does this rule exist? 
Other than to make us all crazy 
, it's to add that 'je ne sais quoi' 
to the game and make it more exciting. Nothing says entertainment like watching someone run for their life to 1st base, while the catcher scrambles to get the ball and everyone is screaming. It's pure gold! 
Check out this clip from NY State Softball:
BLSA is now using FlipGive! – Shop, Earn, and Support a Great Cause!
We’re kicking off an exciting new fundraiser; you can help just by shopping! 🎉
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1️⃣ Join Our Team – Using our link and Code
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Thanks for your support! 💙
The Barrhaven Ladies Softball League is an Orthodox league and was established in 1987 to bring together women with an interest in playing organized softball in a non-competitive format. To date, membership in the league is over 150 players ranging in age from 18 to 50+.
The Barrhaven Ladies Softball Association (BLSA), a non-profit organization, was also established with a volunteer Executive Committee responsible for the coordination of business affecting the league during the season . The Executive Committee reports to the membership, through team captains, at regular meetings held throughout the season.
The season begins in early May and ends with a tournament mid-September. Games are held from Monday to Thursday evenings at local Barrhaven diamonds. Our games are played on lighted fields and are umpired using Softball Canada Rules with some modifications to suit our league.
The season ends with a banquet in October to celebrate the season and time spent together.
