Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose - 6/27/2009

Question
With the runners on the correct bases and the outs less then two.  A batter hits the ball straight up in the air on the first base line.  What constitutes the in field fly.  The wording is ordinary effort, is that making an attempt or positioning your body under the ball.  We had a situation in church league where I was pitching bases loaded no outs the forth batter popped straight up on the first base side.  I as able to position under the pop fly and wait on it to descend to me.  The home plate umpire stated no infield fly because the ball was not a routine play being able to be reached with ordinary effort.  Even though I was under the ball waiting on it.  Is this just a judgement call in this case, both teams thought the ump was incorrect in his call.

Answer
Hi Skip,

"The home plate umpire stated no infield fly because the ball was not a routine play being able to be reached with ordinary effort."  Based on your facts .....????? why wasn't it an IF, I have no idea

You have it correct,  "ordinary effort"  I don't have anything else to add other than the def

INFIELD FLY: A fair fly ball, not including a line drive or an attempted bunt which can be caught by an infielder, pitcher or catcher with ordinary effort when first and second.....

mark