| The "In-field Fly" rule is one of the most | | | | to second base to complete a double play. It is an |
| intimidating, confusing, and misunderstood rules in | | | | easy triple play because all three runners are |
| baseball. The rule is often a point of controversy | | | | tagging up on their bases in anticipation that the |
| among coaches, players and spectators watching | | | | ball to be caught. |
| the game. Many ask, "Why do we have the | | | | What are the situations in which the rule applies? |
| 'In-field" fly rule? When does the "In-field Fly" | | | | The rule is applicable with a runner at first and |
| baseball rule apply? Here I outline the reason for | | | | second, or first, second and third bases with less |
| this rule of baseball, the situations under which this | | | | than two outs. |
| baseball rule applies, and other information to help | | | | 6 Important Things to Remember about the |
| you better have a better understanding of it. | | | | Infield-Fly Rule: |
| Why do we have the "In-field" fly rule? | | | | 1. The rule is applied on any fair fly ball that could |
| The stated purpose of the infield fly rule, in most | | | | have been caught by an infielder with ordinary |
| baseball rule books, is that the rule is enforced to | | | | effort. The ball does not have to be caught. The |
| prevent a defensive player from dropping a fly | | | | batter is declared out immediately when the ball is |
| ball on purpose or letting a infield fly drop to the | | | | hit. The out stands if the ball is in fair territory. |
| ground untouched with the intention of trying to | | | | 2. The ball does not have to be in the infield. It |
| turn a double play. | | | | can be in the outfield. The key is if an infielder, |
| For example, there are runners at first and | | | | according to the judgment of the umpire, should |
| second base with no outs. The third short stop is | | | | be able to catch the fly ball with ordinary effort. |
| fielding a high pop fly hit high between him and | | | | 3. If the rule is invoked by the umpires and an |
| second base. If we did not have the "In-Field-Fly" | | | | outfielder catches the ball, the out still stand. If the |
| rule, he could let it drop. Pick it up and quickly | | | | ball land uncaught in fair territory, the out still |
| touch second base, then throw to third to get a | | | | stands. |
| tag on the second base runner for the double | | | | 4. Once the rule has been called by the umpire. |
| play. The defense has turned an easy double play. | | | | The other base runners may advance at their |
| The two runners being forced to tag up on the | | | | own risk. If they attempt to advance and are |
| play have no chance of advancing to the next | | | | tagged out, the result is a second out on the play. |
| base in time to prevent the outs. | | | | The runners can advance after tagging up like |
| Another scenario would be bases loaded, an infield | | | | they would on a fly ball. The difference for the |
| fly is hit high that will land three feet in front of | | | | runner is that since the batter is out, there is no |
| home plate. The catcher sets up to make the | | | | longer a force play and the runner does not need |
| catch. He allows the ball to hit. He quickly picks it | | | | to advance, even if the ball is not caught. |
| up, touches home plate for the first out and then | | | | 5. An infield fly rule must be called when the ball is |
| he throws the ball to the third baseman who is | | | | in the air. The signal given by the umpires is a |
| set up on the bag. The third base man catches | | | | finger pointing into the air. |
| the ball, tags the base for the second out, and | | | | 6. The fly ball must be in fair territory. The |
| then throws to second base for the completed | | | | umpires will make a verbal call, "Batter is out if |
| triple play. If there was no infield fly rule, the | | | | the ball is fair". |
| following could happen: Runners are on first and | | | | I hope you found this article to be informative |
| second with less than 2 outs. Pop fly is hit to the | | | | and useful. I thank you for taking the time to |
| third baseman. He intentionally drops the fly ball, | | | | read it. Have a great day, Nick. |
| picks it up, tags third and then makes the throw | | | | |