[Dakota]

Originally posted by Bandit
If I don't have to call it for the rule to apply ? Why or how can I be putting the runner in jeopardy ? Double play. runner out.

You are putting the runners in jeopardy because with a fly ball, the runners need to stay close enough to their base to not be doubled up for not tagging up. But when the ball is dropped, they must consider the force to be in effect and will therefore attempt to run. The skilled fielding team will very likely get a double play on the force outs.

OTOH, if you call IF, then the runners know the force is off and they can stay on their base. The defense gets the out on the fly ball, but no force outs.

Originally posted by Bandit
I point say (not extremely loud, but loud enough catcher says she heard me) "INFIELD FLY IF FAIR".

Correct call, but, pardon me - who the h--- cares if the catcher hears you. The call is for the runners. If they don't hear (or see your upraised hand signal) your call has not done what it is supposed to do. I hope by "point" you mean raise your right arm straignt up with a closed fist. The verbal should be very loud. BTW, "if fair" is correct ASA mechanic for a possible IF near the foul lines.

Originally posted by Bandit
He asked this question after the game:

If I don't call it, is it still an infield fly? I said yes it is, because players and coaches should know the situation.

Was I right?

Yes and no.

Yes, it is still an infield fly, but what this means is the umpire may correct his late or no call. However, if his late or no call placed runners in jeopardy, he needs to correct that, too.

No on your reason. The IF call is umpire judgment. True, the IF situation is cut and dried from the rule book (force at 3rd with less than 2 outs is a succinct way of stating it), but the actual call is umpire judgment - that pesky "ordinary effort." So, if you do not call it, the offense must assume that your judgment was it was not an IF so they must hoof it ASAP to the next base due to the force. You can't later make the call (to declare the BR out) and also allow force outs to stand, even if it was a tag.