Quote:
Originally posted by kenabernathy
lets talk infield fly mechanics.
Standard setting 1 out r1 and r2 batter pops to gap between f5 & f6 40' on out field grass f5 settling under I call infield fly then gust of wind carries ball another 40 or so feet making f5 turn and make catch not so normal should I stick with call since all signals are good between my partner and I or should we let play die and make appropriate changes
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You learned an important lesson. When there's considerable wind, wait as long as you can before determining that the ball can be caught with ordinary effort. There's no harm in waiting. It should never be called before the ball reaches its apex, but the umpires should wait as long as they have to before invoking the rule.
It's a fly ball, and the runners are holding their bases anyway. You can wait right up until the ball is about to be caught before invoking the rule,
if you have to. The reason we call it verbally is for the benefit of the runners. The runners won't be leaving their bases until the ball at least reaches the fielder, either caught or uncaught.
There's no harm in waiting longer, there's great harm in calling it too soon.
Once you've called it, and conditions exist for it (1st and 2nd, bases loaded, less than 2 out), you can't take that back. It becomes a blown judgment call, just like a safe or out call with subsequent action. However, if you erroneously call it, and conditions did not exist for it, then play should continue as if you never called it.
In either case, circle the wagons, it's going to be a long game.