Little confused about the infield fly rule..? Someone explain..?

Question

Why is it that infield fly balls are only sometimes called under the rule? Is it just the preference of the ump, or are there actual determining factors as to why it's called?

Answer 1

The infield fly rule applies only when there are fewer than two outs, and there is a force play at third (runners on first and second base, or bases loaded). In these situations, if a fair fly ball is hit that, in the umpire's judgment, is catchable by an infielder with ordinary effort, the batter is out regardless of whether the ball is actually caught in flight. The rule states that the umpire is supposed to announce, "Infield fly, if fair." If the ball will be almost certainly fair, the umpire will likely yell, "Infield fly, batter's out!" or just "Batter's out!" Umpires also typically raise one arm straight up to signal to everyone that the rule is in effect.

Any fair fly ball that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort is covered by the rule regardless of where the ball is caught. The ball need not be caught by an infielder, nor must it be caught in the infield. For example, if an infielder retreats to the outfield in an effort to catch a fly ball with ordinary effort, the Infield Fly Rule would be invoked, even if an outfielder ultimately caught the ball, and even if no infielder attempted to make a play on the ball. Similarly, a fly ball within the infield that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, but is caught by an outfielder, would also be covered by the rule.

On a caught infield fly, a runner must tag up (i.e., retouch, at or after the time the fly ball is first touched by a fielder, the base the runner held at the time of pitch) in order to be eligible to advance, as on any catch. If the infield fly falls to fair ground untouched, or is touched and dropped, runners need not tag up. In either case, since the batter is out, the force play on other runners is removed.

Answer 2

When someone is on base and the ball is hit straight up in the infield, it is an infield fly to avoid any kind of double play.  Otherwise the player could drop it and easily and double up the man on base.

Answer 3

Why we need the infield fly rule

If there was no infield fly rule, the following could happen: Runners are on first and second with less than 2 outs. Pop fly is hit to the third baseman. He intentionally drops the fly ball, picks it up, touches third and then throws to second for a double play. It's an easy double play because both runners are tagging up on their bases expecting the ball to be caught.

When can the infield fly rule be called?

Less than 2 outs. It's purpose is to prevent a double play.

Runner on first and second, or bases loaded. (There must to be a force at third base)

Answer 4

Eric and Utter Chaos together are 100% correct.    I'll take it one step further though, just for the heck of it.  Runners are not obligated to run under the infield fly rule which is the purpose of it. However, if a ball deemed an infield fly hits a runner while he is not on base, then that runner is out as well as the batter.  If the ball hits the runner while he is on base, then he is not out but the batter is still out.  

Answer 5

Umpire judgement call.

Answer 6

In feild fly rule can only be call with les than 2 outs bases juice or first and second.

it has to be a pop up in infeild fly ususally it can be alitte bit in shallow feild on the grass.

It dosent have to go really high in the air to be called it is to make sure that there no chasnce of making double play.  

Answer 7

Eric N covered it good except for one thing.  There is no infield fly on bunts even if it could be caught with ordinary effort.  In that case it would be beneficial for the defense to let it drop and to try and get a double play.