As usual, the confusion is in the details and the combination of things that can happen. One point of confusion is that many people mistakenly think that the infield fly rule applies when there is only a runner on first base. This isn't the case. When there is no force play at home or third, the only way to turn a double play, by intentionally dropping the ball, is if the batter doesn't run to first base.
In this case the infield fly rule doesn't apply and the defensive team could turn a double play. I don't think anyone will feel bad for the batter in this scenario. So now that we know the game situation that the infield fly rule can be called, let's move on to the call itself.
The main thing to remember is that the infield fly rule is a judgment call by the umpire. After the ball is hit in the air, you should hear the umpire yell, "Infield fly, batter is out. The rule is written to give the umpire the ability to determine whether to apply the rule or not. Here is an example when the rule may not applied by the umpire.
Runners on first and second. The third baseman charges toward home on a bunt coverage. The batter swings away and pops the ball up by third base. The umpire determines that the ball cannot be caught with ordinary effort, so he says nothing. The infield fly rule is not applied and the third baseman can pick the ball off the ground if he missed it and touch third base for a force out if the runner hasn't made it to third yet. Make sure you and your players don't assume that the infield fly rule is automatically enforced based on the situation.
It is still a judgment call by the umpire. Another point of confusion and this is confusing has to do with the ball being fair or foul. For example, you could have the umpire call out "Infield fly, batter is out. How can that happen? The infield fly rule only applies to a fair ball. So let's say a pop up is hit down the third base line.
The umpire makes his call and then the ball drifts into foul territory. Whether the ball is caught or not, the infield fly rule no longer applies.
So, if the ball is dropped by the third baseman in foul territory, it's simply a foul ball and the batter is still up. In this case, umpires are taught to yell, "Infield fly if fair". The umpire may mistakenly make the first call and just because he called the batter out, doesn't mean he is out in this situation. The correct call is simply a foul ball. A similar situation can happen if the ball hits in fair territory before the bases and then rolls foul before being touched by a defensive player.
An infield fly is any fair fly ball not including a line drive or a bunt which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second or first, second and third base are occupied, before two men are out. The rule is in place to protect against a team allowing a shallow fly ball to drop in with the intention of causing a force play at second and third or second, third and home. Otherwise, the team would be able to force out baserunners who had stayed put on a routine fly ball.
Note: This is the only instance of the runner being protected by remaining on the bag when struck by a fair batted ball. In this case, the ball is live if the nearest defensive player is in front of the base and dead if he is behind the base.
When the infield fly situation presents itself, members of the umpiring crew must signal each other. This can be done by utilizing one of a few different methods. The most prevalent today is touching the bill of the cap with a closed fist if none are out or with one finger if one is out.
Another method is placing the open right hand over the chest. I have also seen some old-timers pointing upward with both thumbs while moving them slightly up and down. For the rule to take effect, an fly ball has to be hit that, in the judgment of the umpires, can be handled by an infielder with "ordinary effort. Basically this means that the defensive player must be able to "park" himself under the ball in order to make the catch. A fly ball caught on the run is not an infield fly.
Keep in mind that there is no rush to make the call. Technically, the umpire has until the ball is caught to make the call but the call should be made, if possible, as the ball begins to descend or as soon after the ball has reached its peak when the proper decision can be rendered.
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