What’s an Infield Fly in Baseball?

In baseball, an infield fly is a rule that states when a pop fly is hit in the infield, the batter is automatically out.

Infield fly defined

An infield fly is a fair ball (not touching the ground before passing an infielder) that, in the umpire’s judgment, can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. When called, runners advance only if they had already started their bases move; if not, they do not have to move. The batter is out regardless of whether the ball is caught. The main purpose of the rule is to prevent the defense from getting an easy double play by purposely dropping a fly ball while runners are on first and second or first, second, and third base.

When an infield fly is called

In baseball, an infield fly is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) that, in the umpire’s judgment, can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second or first, second, and third base are occupied, before two outs have been made. The decision to call an infield fly is made by the umpire. When such a fly ball is very near the infielder in fair territory but appears to be headed foul, it is often impossible for the umpire to rule as a catch or no catch. In this instance, the infield fly rule does not apply if the ball lands foul; however if the umpires judge that the fielder deliberately dropped the ball foul in order to create a double play situation ( catcher’s interference), then interference shall be called immediately. If fair, it is ruled an infield fly and handled accordingly.

The benefits of an infield fly

An infield fly is a rule in baseball that benefits the defense. If there are less than two outs and a pop fly is hit in the infield, the umpire will call “infield fly” and the batter is out whether or not the ball is caught. This rule is in place so that the defense has an opportunity to make a double play.

The drawbacks of an infield fly

An infield fly is a rule in baseball that states that if there are runners on first and second base with less than two outs, and the batter hits a fly ball within the infield that is catchable by an infielder with ordinary effort, the batter is out and the ball is dead. This rule is in place to prevent the defense from getting an easy double play by purposely letting the ball drop.

The drawbacks of this rule are that it can be confusing for fans and players alike, as well as potentially leading to unfair outs. Infield fly outs typically happen in low-scoring games where one run could make a big difference, so this rule can be frustrating for fans of the team who is losing. In addition, there have been cases where an infield fly was called when the ball was not catchable by an infielder, resulting in an unfair out.

Infield fly strategy

In baseball, an infield fly is a rule that comes into effect when there are fewer than two outs in the inning, and there is a runner on first or first and second base with first base unoccupied. In this situation, the batter is automatically out whether or not he hits the ball in the air. This is designed to prevent the pitcher and infielders from purposely dropping a fly ball to turn a double play.

Infield fly history

The infield fly rule is one of the most misunderstood and controversial rules in baseball. It was first put into the rule book in 1895 to prevent fielders from intentionally dropping easy pop-ups near the infield in order to turn a double play.

The rule states that if there are runners on first and second base with less than two outs, and the batter hits a fair fly ball that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, the umpire shall call “infield fly” (or more commonly just “infield fly”), even if the ball is actually caught by an outfielder.

The purpose of the rule is to prevent the defense from gaining an advantage by purposely letting a ball drop in order to turn a double play. If the infield fly rule were not in effect, fielders would intentionally drop easy pop ups near the infield so that they could quickly record two outs.

The rule has been controversial since it was first put into effect. Many argue that it is unfair to the batter because he is effectively being called out even though he hit the ball fair. Others argue that it is unfair to the defense because they are not able to take advantage of a strategic play.

Whether you love or hate the infield fly rule, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most unique and interesting rules in baseball.