What is the infield Fly rule

Anonymous asked: What is the infield Fly rule?


Rick answered: Thank you for your question.

The rule which covers your question is 2-19-1...An infield fly is a fair fly ( not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, (rule does not preclude outfielders from being allowed to attempt to make the catch) and provided the hit is made before two are out and at a time when first and second bases or all bases are occupied.

When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield fly, the umpire immediately announces it for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near a baseline, the umpire shall declare,"Infield fly, if fair."

The rule was designed to keep the defensive team from intentionally looking like they would catch the fly ball, thus making the runners tag up, or at least stay close to the base they were on, then letting it drop so they could record a double or triple play.

Yours in baseball,

Rick