Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/3/2004

Question
can you describe the infield fly rule

Answer
James,

Sure!  The infield fly rule must be called by the umpire when:

There are less then two outs and there are runners on 1st and 2nd or the bases or loaded.

In this instance, if the batter hits a pop up in the infield, then the batter is immediately called out and the runners must return to their bases.  Then, even if the infielder drops the ball, the batter is out.  The runners may advance at their own risk.

The reason this rule was enacted was to prevent an infielder from dropping the ball on purpose and then turning a doubleplay.  The runners would be left at the mercy of the fielders.

Hope this helps!

Brian