Search results
The infield fly rule is explained in the Official Baseball Rules in two places: . Definitions of terms: Infield Fly; Rule 5.09 (Batter is out) The rule applies only when there are fewer than two outs, and there is a force play at third base (which means there are runners at first and second base, or the bases are loaded). [2]
May 13, 2019 · The batter must hit a fly ball or popup (not a line drive), over fair territory, and in the vicinity of the infield. It is not a requirement that the ball not reach the outfield grass. Rather, the umpire must use his judgment as to whether an infielder -- or the pitcher or catcher -- could make the catch using “ordinary effort.”
- Andrew Simon
- When Does The Infield Fly Rule Apply?
- Why Is There No Infield Fly Rule with A Runner on First?
- How Do You Call An Infield Fly?
- Do You Have to Tag Up on An Infield Fly?
- Can A Line Drive Be An Infield Fly?
- What Happens If You Drop An Infield Fly?
- Can An Infield Fly Rule Be called on A Foul Ball?
Must be less than 2 outsMust be runners on first and second or the bases must be loadedAn infielder must be able to catch the ball with ordinary effort, or, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielderThe fly ball cannot be a bunt or a line driveIf there were just a runner on first the only advantage the defensive team would have by letting the ball drop is to get the lead runner out at second. With at least two runners on base subject to a “force play”, the defensive team could potentially record multiple outs, which is what the rule aims to stop.
Due to the infield fly rule being a judgement call by the umpire, it may be called differently depending on game conditions and of course, the umpire that is calling the game. The umpire understands to make the call immediately once they determine the play meets the criteria of the rule, based solely on their judgement.
On a caught infield fly, runners must tag up in order to advance to the next base. This applies the same as with any catch. If the infield fly falls to fair ground untouched, or is touched and dropped, runners do not need to tag-up. However, since the batter is out, the force play on the other runners is removed.
No, a line drive cannot be ruled an infield fly. However, there is another rule in place to ensure that a fielder may not intentionally drop any ball hit in the air to gain a defensive advantage by not catching it; this includes line drives. Therefore, a line drive will not be called an infield fly in any situation.
Regardless of if the ball is caught or not, once the umpire calls infield fly, the batter is out. The ball is still live and base runners are allowed to advance at their own risk. However, there is no longer a force play on the runner(s) and fielders must now tag them out instead of just touching the base.
The infield fly rule ONLY applies to a fair ball. If the ball is dropped or caught in foul territory it is not an infield fly. In the instance a ball appears to be fair and the umpire calls infield fly, once it drifts into foul territory at all, caught or not, it is no longer an infield fly.
- Baseball Monkey
The Infield Fly Rule is an easy rule to understand if you can remember the purpose of the rule. Rule 2.00. Rule 2.00 defines the Infield Fly as, “a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or a bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second, and third bases are occupied before two are out.
An infield fly is any fair fly ball (not including a line drive or a bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second or first, second and third base are occupied, before two men are out. The rule is in place to protect against a team allowing a shallow fly ball ...
The Infield Fly Rule exists to prevent the defense from turning easy double plays. Without the infield fly rule, infielders could intentionally drop the fly ball, force all the runners to advance to the next base, and turn an easy double play. After all, the tag-up rule still exists. This means baserunners are forced to stay at their base until ...
People also ask
What is an example of a fly ball in the infield?
What does infield fly mean in baseball?
What is an infield fly rule?
What does 'infield fly if fair' mean?
Does the infield fly rule apply to a fair ball?
Why is a batter called out on an infield fly rule?
Feb 23, 2024 · The batter hits a shallow fly ball into the infield. Again, the umpire determines that the infielder can make a routine catch with ordinary effort. Consequently, the infield fly rule would be in effect due to the specific conditions of less than two outs and the bases being loaded.