Expert: Andrew Senger - 4/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Please explain the "infield fly" rule.

ANSWER: The infield fly rule is a bit like learning to ride a bike -- it's complicated to understand at first, but you never forget it once you do.

There are several factors that are required for the infield fly to even be possible:

1. There must be runners on first and second bases OR there must be bases loaded;
2. There must be less than two outs.

Once those factors are met, the possibility of an infield fly is available. At this point, the batter must hit a fair pop fly that "can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort" (OBR, Section 2.00). This does not include line drives, attempted bunts, or foul balls.

When the infield fly is called by the umpires, the batter is immediately out. Infielders are not required to advance, and any advancement is at their own risk.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is the purpose of the rule?  Why not just let the play develop as any other play?  This rule sounds like something that the same committee that designed the camel came up with.

Answer
When you think about it, it's a great rule. It protects the offensive.

If there were runners on first and second base and there was no Infield Fly rule, an infielder could allow the ball to drop, then throw to third base then second base for an easy double play. If this were the case, the runners would be forced to lead off their base far enough to advance or retreat -- which isn't possible in the infield.

Another rule similar to this is an infielder purposely dropping a line drive hit to them with a runner at first base. The reasoning is that the infielder could purposely drop the line drive and turn a double play. It's not fair play, so the rule was made to prevent it. However, there is no rule against the infielder allowing the line drive to hit the ground first, he just can't purposely drop it.