Infield Fly Rule - Ball Drops

[ballingbob]

Gentlemen (and ladies),

I had a play the other night that didn't happen but I thought what if it did happen and had questions.

We had runners on first and second and a pop up in the infield while the infield fly rule was in effect. There was some confusion between the fielders and the ball almost dropped to the ground. If it would have dropped, the batter is out but are the runners still safe at first and second if they stay there since they are not being forced to run due to the batter being out? Or do they have to try to advance if it isn't a deliberate drop?

My thoughts were that they could remain on their bases and not have to run.

Thanks

[UmpJM]

ballingbob,

My thoughts were that they could remain on their bases and not have to run.

Your thoughts were correct. The whole purpose of the IFF is to protect the offense from a "cheap" DP - because the batter is out, all forces are removed, so the runners are never required to leave their TOP base, whether the ball is caught or not.

It is always their option to leave the base, and if they do, it is the same as any other fair fly; if caught, they are under a retouch obligation, if not, they are not.

JM

[ballingbob]

Thanks Coach

[ballingbob]

Thanks Two Bits, I just noticed it and read it and thought I'd get reamed out like that guy did for not going to the book first. I was just reading through some of the posts and thought I'd post this one. These are very informative.

[UMP25]

Also, remember that the Intentional Drop rule is moot in Infield Fly situations. This is because the Infield Fly Rule takes precedence; that is, IT is invoked first, rendering the Intentional Drop moot. Of course, there's an exception to this exception: the Intentional Drop can still be invoked with runners on first and second or bases loaded if an infielder intentionally drops a line drive or bunted ball, because the Infield Fly isn't declared in such situations.

Confusing enough?

[johnnyg08]

Been a crazy year for me so far...had some calls I've never had before...
1. Intentional Drop
2. Batter out of batters box (bunt attempt w/ one foot out of the box just above the apex of home plate) never thought I'd call it, but it was so obvious, I had to call it last night. He even got away w/ it the first attempt because I wasn't 100% the 1st time.

I'm sure there will be more weird stuff this season.

Note: Umpires...please never, never call an infield fly on a bunt attempt!

[TwoBits]

You are correct. When infield fly is called, the force is off, and the runners do not have to run.

There is another IFF rule thread down the page you may be interested in looking regarding some of the other subtleties of the rule.

[DragonCoach]

Is the IFR ever in effect with a runner on first with only 1 out or less? Please advise

[LMan]

Runner on 1B only? No.