Infield Fly Rule

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

My question is, in deciding to declare an infield fly or not, should I consider the location of the ball and if there is a possibility of a double play or is my only consideration whether the ball "can be caught with ordinary effort"? Isn't the pourpose of the rule all about protecting the runner?
Anyway the shortstop booted the next play and home team won so life goes on.

Others have correctly told you that the question to ask is whether an infielder can catch the ball with ordinary effort. The likelihood of a team at a given level turning a double play is not relevant.

I will add that, if F4 is catching the ball, BU should initiate the IFF call. He's got the best angle on whether this will be ordinary effort for the middle infielders.

In general, whoever has fly ball responsibility should be initiating the IFF call, with partner echoing it. And note that, should nobody announce it, the rule is still in force and can be applied retroactively: the announcement is a courtesy to the players, and is not necessary to cause the BR to be out.