Inflield Fly how to "declare" one

[lc_huxter]

Another umpire and I were discussing the inflield fly rule. He stated just by pointing in the sky should be good enough to declare an infield fly.
I on the otherhand disagree with him. I refered to OBR where there are two types of infield fly. One if it is fair and the other if it is foul. If OBR wanted us to say "Infield fly if fair" how can a finger pointing in the air declare that statement?

We also disagree on the infield fly rule. I say it is not an automatic thing. It is a judgement call, so if we do not "declare" it then it is not so. Is this true or is it automatic?

Thanks

[mcrowder]

If the fly is catchable with ordinary effort by an infielder (and runners/outs are right), it is automatic. It is judgement in the fact that you have to JUDGE whether it's catchable with ordinary effort... but most of the time this call is automatic. What exactly do you mean by "judgement" call. This? Or something else.

Pointing is NEVER enough. "INFIELD FLY!!!" or "INFIELD FLY IF FAIR!!!" Loud.

[aevans410]

It is a judgement call.

An infield fly is a FAIR fly ball that can be caught with normal effort. If it can't be caught with normal effort, its not an IFF. If the ball goes foul, its not an IFF.

Point and declare "INFIELD FLY, BATTERS OUT!"

Geez MC your quick

[lc_huxter]

What I am asking is pointing a finger in the air good enough. Or do you have to say "infield fly batter is out"

I say a finger is not good enough. How is a base runner suppose to know that you call one and they are safe and do not have to run. I know what the rule book says. With easy effort. Well any infield pop up is easy effort if you can catch.

[thumpferee]

IFF(while pointing upward), batter's out if fair!

Could add "or caught in foul territory"!

[Edited by thumpferee on May 2nd, 2005 at 05:29 PM]

[aevans410]

Declare it, that lets the offense and defense know when the force is removed. I don't think the player lining up the fly ball is going to look at you and see that your arm is in the air.

[lc_huxter]

Let say we have a high pop up and we forgot to call infield fly because we were amazed of the highth of the ball. Then it drops to the ground right in front of the pitcher. Everybody advances safely.

Defense comes out and says "blue that was an infield fly" Oh ya your right coach sorry about that.

BR your out. Offense comes out and says "blue you didn't call an infield fly" ya I know coach but hey it is an automatic call and we blew it. Sorry.

Then my partner comes up to me and says hey Hux, I had my finger in the air, didn't you see it?

[aevans410]

An IFF is an IFF whether you called it or not. Bang the BR, get ready for the s***storm. Then call your assignor (if you have that kind of pull in your association) and request not to be paired up with him again.

Edited for an error I made in typing this.

[Edited by aevans410 on May 3rd, 2005 at 08:20 AM]

[thumpferee]

Originally posted by aevans410
Declare it, that lets the offense and defense know when the force is removed. I don't think the player lining up the fly ball is going to look at you and see that your arm is in the air.

You think your partner might like to know?

[aevans410]

Originally posted by thumpferee

You think your partner might like to know?

The question was whether a finger in the air was a proper mechanic, or should it be declared. I answered that question. Of course your partner would like to know. I assumed that would be implied since 90 percent of us that read these boards are competent umpires.

[UmpJM]

....90 percent of us that read these boards are competent umpires.

aevans410,

And you would send the runners back because?????

JM

[aevans410]

Im sorry, I misspoke on that one.

(I got a little carried away I think, I didn't even realize I put that in there until you said something)

I apologize, my mistake.
You picked up on it though. You sound like a coach I'd like to have in one of my games, one that actually knows the rules.

[Edited by aevans410 on May 2nd, 2005 at 05:58 PM]

[thumpferee]

Originally posted by aevans410

The question was whether a finger in the air was a proper mechanic, or should it be declared. I answered that question. Of course your partner would like to know. I assumed that would be implied since 90 percent of us that read these boards are competent umpires.

I thought you may be in that 10%. JK

I misunderstood, been reading alot of posts this evening.

I thought you were saying to just declare it. I now see that pointing alone is not enough.

It's not hard for me to get confused BTW.

[thumpferee]

Originally posted by CoachJM

aevans410,

And you would send the runners back because?????

JM

Good catch Coach!

[LDUB]

Originally posted by lc_huxter
I refered to OBR where there are two types of infield fly. One if it is fair and the other if it is foul.

There is only one type of infield fly.