Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 10/1/2003

Question
What is the infield fly rule?

Answer
Beverly,

The infield fly rule is invoked whenever the following game conditions are met:

1)  There are less then two outs in an inning, and
2)  There are runners on 1st and 2nd, or the bases or loaded.

When these conditions are met, if the batter hits a pop fly on the infield the umpire calls 'infield fly' and the batter is automatically out whether the fielder catches the ball or not.  If the fielder drops the ball, the runners can advance at their own risk.

The reason this rule was created is that smart infielders would drop the ball on purpose, then turn a double play on the runners.  On pop ups, the runners would have to stay close to their bases and good fielders could easily put two runners out by force plays.

Hope this helps!

Brian