Batter Strikeout & Dropped Ball: Can a Batter Advance to First?

Question
When a batter strikes out and the catcher drops the ball, but the batter turns and walks toward his teams bench 5 or 6 steps can he then turn and run to first base without being called out.  No runners on base when he is batting.

Answer
hi jimmy
the hitter has time to run provided he has not got to the dugout.

6.09 The batter becomes a runner when-

(a) He hits a fair ball;

(b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing

(1) first base is unoccupied, or

(2) first base is occupied with two out; When a batter becomes a base runner on a third strike not caught by the catcher and starts for the dugout, or his position, and then realizes his situation and attempts then to reach first base, he is not out unless he or first base is tagged before he reaches first base. If, however, he actually reaches the dugout or dugout steps, he may not then attempt to go to first base and shall be out.

hope this helps.
steve