Can anyone explain the Infield Fly Rule for me?

Answer 1

The infield-fly rule exists to protect the offense from falling victim to a cheap double play orchestrated by the defense on what normally would be a simple single out.

With runners on first and second and less than two outs, the batter-runner is out when he hits a fly ball that can be caught with ordinary effort by an infielder. The ball remains live and runners can advance.

The umpires declare "infield fly" when they determine that an infielder can catch the ball with ordinary effort. The declaration lets the runners know they are not forced to advance.

If the defense fails to catch the ball, the batter-runner is still out. If the runners try to advance, the defense must tag them because there is no force in effect (because the batter-runner is out).

If a runner fails to tag up and the ball is caught, the defense can appeal the base running infraction to retire the runner.

An outfielder can catch an infield fly, and an infielder can catch an infield fly in the outfield: the umpire cares not who catches the ball or where, only whether an infielder could make the catch with ordinary effort.

If a batted ball is declared an infield fly and it is then ruled foul, then the infield fly didn't occur, obviously.

If the batted ball lands in foul territory between home and first or home and third and then becomes a fair ball after rolling or bouncing into fair territory, the batter-runner is still out on the infield fly. A pop-up near the foul lines that the umpire determines can be caught with ordinary effort by an infielder will be declared "infield fly if fair" or "infield fly, the batter is out if fair," etc.

Note: It really isn't necessary to say the infield fly occurs with runners on first and second or first, second, and third, because when there are runners on first, second, and third there are runners on first and second, correct?

Another rule prohibits an infielder from deliberately dropping a line drive or fly ball, the penalty being that the batter-runner is out and the ball is dead. This rule is not in effect when the infield-fly is declared because the batter-runner is already out and the runners are not forced to advance.

Answer 2

The infield fly rules only applies when there is a force out at all three bases (man on 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd), there are 0 or 1 out, and a fly ball is hit in fair territory in the area considered the infield. The intention was to prevent an infielder from intentionally dropping the ball so as to get more than 1 out. The batter is automatically out regardless if caught or dropped. If the ball is dropped - intentionally or otherwise - the runners can advance at their own risk or stay put.

Answer 3

before the ball is even pitched, it must be a infield fly situation. infield fly situation is man on first and second, or a man on first second and third. (basically, if there is a force at 3rd base.)

if the ball is hit in the air and with reasonable effort a infielder should be able to catch it, infield fly should be called. that means that even if an outfielder catches it, it is still an out.

at the time of the call, the runners can run on their own, but if the defense makes the catch, there are tag up plays to be made just as in any pop up.

situation where a similar rule can be called: if a infielder delibrately drops a line drive while there are runners on base in order to make a double/triple play. if the umpire suspects this, he can call the batter out and call a dead ball.

Answer 4

The infield fly rule prevents and inflielder from intentionally dropping what would seem to be an easily caught ball in an effort to turn an easy double play. Once the infield fly is called the batter is out and the other runners do not have to worry about being run off of their base by an advancing runner. Allowing everyone to stay put.

Answer 5

The infield fly is for if there is a runner on 1 and 2 so the infielder can't drop it on purpose and get a double play instead of one out

Answer 6

Plain and Simple-Infield Fly Rule,1st & 2nd,or 1st,2nd and 3rd with less than 2 out. Infield fly rule is in effect.The ball has to be caught with ordinary effort by one of the infielders,the hitter is out and base runners advance at their own risk.Important fact The ball has to be FAIR

Answer 7

Infield fly rule can only be call with fewer than 2 outs. It's purpose is to prevent a double play.
Runner on first and second, or bases loaded. (There must to be a force at third base)

Answer 8

Here are some more detailed explanations plus diagrams: