Infield fly rule

The umpire's declaration of an infield fly means that the batter is out (and all force plays are removed) regardless of whether the ball is caught.

Baserunners study the fielder and advance only far enough from the base to ensure that they can return safely if the ball is caught.

This creates an advantage for the defense in intentionally failing to execute an easy catch, which the infield fly rule exists to remove.

The officiating rationale that ultimately led to the rule began in the 1860s, due to the requirement to tag up on a base, and was formalized in 1874.

Umpires typically raise the right arm straight up, index finger pointing up and call to signal the rule is in effect.

On the other hand, if "infield fly" is called and the ball lands fair without being caught, the batter is still out, there is still no force, but the runners are not required to tag up.

The term "ordinary effort" considers all circumstances, including weather, lighting, positioning of the defense, and the abilities of the players involved in the play.

A fly ball catchable with ordinary effort in Major League Baseball might not be in a junior high school game, due to the ability of the players involved.

In contrast, if the ball lands foul and then rolls fair before passing first or third base without being touched, the infield fly takes effect and the batter is out.

[6] In the fifth game of the 2008 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pedro Feliz of the Phillies hit a pop-up to the right side of the infield with runners on first and second and one out, in strong rain and swirling winds, and the infield fly rule was not invoked.

After the call, angry Braves fans began throwing plastic bottles and other debris onto the field, causing the game to be delayed for nearly 20 minutes.

This rule likewise prevents a fielder from deliberately dropping a ball and thereby achieving a double or triple play.

If an infield fly is caught, the runners must retouch their original bases ("tag up") after the catch before attempting to advance.

The only difference is that the umpire's declaration that the batter is out removes force plays and gives runners the option of staying on the base.

The same definition includes a comment that "The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play."

This suggests that the batter cannot be ruled out retroactively to settle a debate that occurs after the play ends.

[16] However, in Major League Baseball, the umpires are likely to correct their mistake if it leads to an unfair double or triple play.

[17] In adult baseball, a fly ball usually reaches the fielder before the batter can run the 90 feet to first base.