Infield fly rule
What a beautiful day at Wrigley! I’m sure Ernie Banks was somewhere saying “Let’s play two!” Beating the Cardinals 6-0 just made the day all the sweeter, especially since I was surrounded by Cardinals fans at Wrigley.
Despite our differences, I managed to strike up a nice conversation with my fellow baseball fans. After one interesting play, we discussed the infield fly rule and none of us knew the exact rule. I’ve done my research and am now ready to share and educate.
The purpose of the infield fly rule is to prevent the defensive team from purposely dropping or not catching an infield fly with the intention of trying to turn a double play. The infield fly rule can only be called if:
- there are less than two outs and
- there are runners on first and second or the bases loaded (there has to be a potential force at third)
The infield fly rule is designed to prevent the following; Runners are on first and second with less than 2 outs. Pop fly is hit to the third baseman. He intentionally drops the fly ball, picks it up, touches third and then throws to second for a double play. It’s an easy double play because both runners are tagging up on their bases expecting the ball to be caught.
The infield fly rule cannot apply when there is only a runner on first base. If a fielder were to intentionally drop a fly ball to try to turn a double play, the only way the double play could be made would be if the batter did not run to first. In that case, the batter deserves to be doubled up.
An important thing to remember is that the infield fly rule is a judgment call by the umpire. If the umpire determines that a player can make the catch with ordinary effort, then he can apply the rule. After the ball is hit in the air, the umpire will yell, “Infield fly, batter is out.” If the umpire doesn’t yell that, then assume the rule doesn’t apply. One other note, the rule only applies to fair balls. So if the umpire calls the batter out, then the ball drifts foul and is not caught, the batter is not out after all.
I know, a confusing rule. But at least you all now know a little more than most baseball fans. Feel free to impress the next person you take to the ballpark!