Infield Fly Rule

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

The key in this situation is to watch the infielder and not the ball. If he can camp out under the ball, call IFF at the apex of the ball's flight. If he is still running, or backpeddling and shifting continuously with a windblown ball, it is likely not ordinary effort.

Had a game and wind gusts up to 40 mph. IIF situation. Ball is hit fairly high toward short right field. F4 goes back (I am watching him) and sets up in short RF. I declare IIF, F4 then takes 10 running steps toward 2B. Ball hits 6ft in front of him right near 2nd base.

So, even with the wind being a factor, I believe you put the offense at a disadvantage by not declaring it as mb has said.

Going back to the original question, I think it is a combination of both "ordinary effort" and "location". I agree with Steve as far as who to watch to help make a decision to "ordinary effort".

Location.

Sit.1. Bases loaded, high winds, high popup to F4 between 1st and 2nd but can't get set under it due to the wind. Runners in this situation are probably two steps off the bag. R3 may be little further off.

Sit.2. Same as 1 except, ball is hit to short right field and F4 is there but still can't judge it due to the wind. Runners now, or should be, a lot further off the bag, especially R3.

In 1, I definitely have an IIF. In 2, I'm letting that play out.

JMO