The Ole Ball Game

Infield Fly Rule

by Randy
(Gloucester)

Power Shift To Right Side - Long Way For 3B To Catch Pop Up On Left Side

Power Shift To Right Side - Long Way For 3B To Catch Pop Up On Left Side

Randy asked: Infield fly rule says that a popup in the infield must be caught with a routine or normal effort.

However with the shifts now made by many infielders does this become impossible and how does it affect the rule?

For example, 3 infielders are on the right side of the infield and the 3rd baseman has moved close to second. Otherwise the Infield Fly is in effect and the batter hits a popup high enough to be ruled an infield fly but comes down right inside the foul line near 3rd base. It is almost impossible for a fielder to get to the ball. Understanding the ball does not have to be caught is it still an infield fly because it would have taken more than a routine or normal effort to reach and catch the ball before it lands?


Rick answered: Randy, thank you for such a great question.

I went through and read the rule over, it hasn't changed, even with the increase in player shifts.

I have seen no discussions on the situation, nor heard any from announcers on televised games.

Possibly some of our readers have seen or heard something. I will post this, and see what response it generates.


Yours in baseball,

Rick

Comments for Infield Fly Rule

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Jul 19, 2018
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Infield Fly or not NEW
by: Anonymous

My understandingu is that the infield fly is called by the umpire using his judgement/decision if any fielder should be able to catch the ball with reasonableu effect. The umpire needs to consider the location of the fielders to where the ball lands and the effort put forward to make the catch. In your example if because of the shift it was the umpires judement no one could make a routine play he should not call a infield fly out.

May 16, 2018
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infield fly NEW
by: don

I have umpired over 4000 ball games and have had this situation in many games. Usually involved infielders who have moved too far from normal area. Brings on an argument every time because they didn't get to it with ordinary effort and thus lost the out. Until the rules are set to clearly define and explain situations the arguments will continue. But that is what baseball is all about. how well can you define the strike zone?

May 15, 2018
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Not "must be caught" NEW
by: Carl Moore

Randy used those words. Try "catchable", not "caught". Batter is out when Infield Fly is declared, even if it is not caught, unless it turns out to be an uncaught foul ball.

May 15, 2018
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Any defensive player in infield; some other infield fly remarks NEW
by: Carl Moore

Aside from time-of-pitch conditions of 1st and 2nd (or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) occupied and less than 2 out:

An infield fly (which cannot be a bunt or line drive) is to be catchable with ordinary effort in infield. Yes, this can include an outfielder who shifted into infield. Baseball rules describe no defensive positions other than pitcher and catcher; other fielders are only required to be stationed in fair territory, at time of pitch.

The batter is out when Infield Fly is declared by the umpire. If it's caught, normal tag-up applies. If not caught, THERE IS NO FORCE. The Phillies were hit with Infield Fly / double play because the runner from 1st took off for 2nd (when an Infield Fly was not caught) and got tagged.

Umpire should add "if fair" if said fly ball could become foul. A foul ball cannot be Infield Fly.

carlm0404@gmail.com

May 19, 2017
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ordinary effort
by: don

The infield fly rule requires ordinary effort to be applied. If the infielders make space where they are not able to catch a fly ball with ordinary effort they lose the automatic out.Another thought is will it be an infield fly if the infielders shift toward the 3rd base side and the right fielder moves way in and can catch the fly ball in infield area?

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