What Is the Infield Fly Rule in Baseball?

The infield fly rule is one of the most misunderstood rules in baseball. In this quick read, we will explain what the rule is and when it is applied during a game.

What is the Infield Fly Rule?

Under normal circumstances, if a batted ball is headed towards the infield and there are less than two outs, the defense can choose to let the ball drop and have the batter be called out for an infield fly. This is typically done when it’s advantageous for the defense to deliberately give up an out in order to avoid a worse outcome, like giving up a run.

There are some specific requirements for the Infield Fly Rule to be in effect. First, there must be less than two outs. Second, there must be at least one runner on base. Third, the defense must judge that the batted ball will land in the infield within ordinary fielder’s range. And finally, there must be fewer than two runners on base who can advance on a caught ball (i.e., first and second base with no one on third).

If all of these conditions are met, then the umpire will call “infield fly” and the batter will be out whether or not the ball is caught. This rule is in place to prevent games from being unduly influenced by poor defensive play; it’s simply not fair to the offense if they could lose a run due to afielding mistake.

When is the Infield Fly Rule Used?

The Infield Fly Rule is typically used when there are runners on first and second base with less than two outs. The rule is in place so that the defense cannot take advantage of the situation by purposely not catching a ball that they could easily catch, thereby forcing the runners to advance. When the Infield Fly Rule is called, the batter is automatically out and the runners are allowed to advance to whichever base they think is best.

What Happens if the Infield Fly Rule is Not Called?

Under normal circumstances, if the infield fly rule is not called, the batter is out and runners advance one base. If there are less than two outs and runners on first and second base, the batter is out but the runners advance only one base. This is because the umpire did not call the infield fly rule, so the infielders cannot be assumed to be trying to catch the ball for an easy double play.

The Infield Fly Rule in the MLB

The infield fly rule is one of the more uncommonly used rules in baseball, but it is an important one nonetheless. The rule exists to protect the defense from being unduly disadvantaged on a play where there might be confusion or miscommunication. In order to understand the infield fly rule, it’s important first to understand what an infield fly is.

An infield fly is a fair fly ball (not a line drive or bunted ball) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second base are occupied with less than two outs. The key word here is “ordinary effort.” It must be a catch that an infielder would typically make. If the ball drops in front of or behind an infielder, it is not an infield fly. It does not matter how many outs there are or whether the bases are empty or full.

So, what happens when there is an infield fly? The batter is automatically out and runners are free to advance at their own risk, as they would on any other out. However, if a runner tries to advance and is put out before reaching the next base, the out will stand.

The key to remember with the infield fly rule is that it only comes into effect on a fair fly ball. If the ball is bunted or hits the ground, it’s just like any other play and all bets are off.

The Infield Fly Rule in Other Baseball Leagues

The Infield Fly Rule is not unique to Major League Baseball. It is also used in Minor League Baseball, high school baseball, and college baseball. The rule is also used in softball, although the distances are different.

In general, the Infield Fly Rule is used when there are fewer than two outs and there are runners on first and second base or the bases are loaded. The rule is designed to prevent the defense from purposely sacrificing an out in order to get an easy double play.

In order for the Infield Fly Rule to be called, the batter must hit a fly ball that is caught within the infield. The ball does not have to be caught by an infielder, but it does have to be caught before it reaches the outfield. If the ball is hit into foul territory, it does not matter whether it is caught by an infielder or an outfielder.

If the ball is hit into fair territory and then bounces into foul territory before it can be caught by an infielder, the Infield Fly Rule will still be called. However, if the ball bounces into foul territory after it has been touched by an infielder, the Infield Fly Rule will not be called.

There are some variations of the Infield Fly Rule that are used in different baseball leagues. For example, in high school baseball, the Infield Fly Rule may be called when there are runners on first and third base instead of first and second base.

In Minor League Baseball, the rule may only be called when there are less than two outs and there are runners on first and second base or with bases loaded regardless of the number of outs.