Drop Third Strike Rule Explained: Scenarios & Clarifications

Question
Two parter:  1) is a pitch in the dirt and batter swings and the catcher catches it clean off one bounce, is that considered a drop third strike?

2)  Is drop third strike in effect if 1 out and the runner attempts to steal second on the pitch?  Or is first base considered occupied?

Answer
Mike,

1)  Yes - this is a dropped third strike.  Rarely called because typically the catcher will just reach out and tag the batter just to be sure.

2)  Drop third strike is not in effect if the runner attempts to steal.  In this case, it would be strike 3, batter out.

Hope this helps!

Brian