Dropped 3rd strike

[Guest Welch]

So was watching a legion. Dropped third strike. Batter took a few steps towards dugout then runs. Coach said player gave up so was automatically out. Is there such a rule or how far can batter go before being declared out?

[LRZ]

Under OBR Rule 5.05(a)(2) Comment: "A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate."

[Senor Azul]

The same ruling as OBR for games played under NCAA rules--

2019-2020 NCAA rule 7-11u. A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate heading toward his dugout;

From the 2016 BRD (section 102, p. 87):

Play:  2 outs. B1 swings and misses for strike three. The catcher drops the ball. But instead of tagging batter-runner or throwing to first, F2 rolls it back to the mound. BR is near his third-base dugout when he realizes he is not yet out. He streaks directly across the diamond, crosses the pitcher’s mound, and reaches first before the infielders realize what’s happening. Ruling:  In FED, BR is safe if he begins his streak before all infielders have left the diamond. When BR decides to run, his base path is a direct line from his initial spot on the field to first. In NCAA/OBR, BR is out.

[RBIbaseball]

I see this was Legion ball, but if LL rules were to be confused by coaches or players, there is a difference:

6.05(b):

A.R. - (Majors/Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior League) 

When a batter becomes a runner on a third strike that is not caught, and starts for the bench or his/her position, that batter may advance to first base at any time before entering the dugout or any other dead ball area. To put the batter out, the defense must tag the batter or first base before the batter touches first base. 

[Senor Azul]

From the 2018 Minor League Baseball Umpire Manual (section 5.9, p. 44)

“Due to the variation in size and shape of dirt circles surrounding home plate in different ballparks, in the umpire’s judgment when the batter-runner has shown no effort to advance to first base on a third strike not caught such batter may be declared out. In any case, should the batter leave the dirt circle surrounding home plate before attempting to advance to first base, the batter shall be declared out.”

[spark2212]

Yes. According to OBR 5.05 (a)(2)(Comment), the runner shall be called out on a dropped third strike if he exits the dirt circle surrounding home plate (except in an attempt to reach first base).