[adamsjas]

He could have walked all the way back to the dugout without stepping into it, than ran all the way to first and would have been safe.

I'm not sure of that. I've heard of something called abandoning the field of play, or some words to that effect, when the batter just turns and walks away before the catcher can get a chance to tag him. I've never seen a catcher chase a guy to the dugout.

[Sonar5]

You folks can't understand simple rules.

There is a specific rule for dropped third strike. Get it?

You are wrong, I am right.

I posted the actual rules, please read my posts. I even referenced the actual rule numbers.

[bigsigh]

They don't chase to the dugout, they usually throw to first. The most common play is the catcher roles the ball out toward the mound. The batter truns and walks toward the dugout. His teammates from the dugout yell and gesture for him to run to first. He can do so unless he has entered the dugout.