Dropped Infield Fly

[Centerfield9]

ASA. Cannot find anything in the rulebook about this.

Are the runners required to tag their base on a dropped IFF? One side of the discussion says the rules of a caught flyball apply whether or not the ball is actually caught on an IFF, so all runners must tag up (BR is out either way). The other side says the BR is out, but the rules for a caught flyball apply if the ball is caught, meaning the runners must tag up, and the rules for a dropped flyball apply if the ball is dropped. The force is off, of course, but if the runners are off the base when the flyball contacts the fielder's glove, the runners can immediately proceed to the next base without tagging up.

Referencing the rule number would be helpful.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Centerfield9

ASA. Cannot find anything in the rulebook about this.

Are the runners required to tag their base on a dropped IFF? One side of the discussion says the rules of a caught flyball apply whether or not the ball is actually caught on an IFF, so all runners must tag up (BR is out either way). The other side says the BR is out, but the rules for a caught flyball apply if the ball is caught, meaning the runners must tag up, and the rules for a dropped flyball apply if the ball is dropped. The force is off, of course, but if the runners are off the base when the flyball contacts the fielder's glove, the runners can immediately proceed to the next base without tagging up.

Referencing the rule number would be helpful.

Runners have to tag (not leave a base until a caught fly ball is caught) only if it is caught. IFR or not, caught fly ball applies.
Runners can leave a base on an uncaught fly ball just like any other base hit; governed by the pitch, not the IFR or the touch.

The difference with an IF is the batter is automatically out and forces are removed.

The only rules cites needed are not leaving early on a caught fly ball (USA 8-7-f) and the IFR itself (USA 8-2-i&j).

Do you need the pitch governance rule?

[Tru_in_Blu]

"not the IFR or the touch"

Runners may leave on "first touch" on a fly ball that may be bobbled or deflected which is ultimately caught.

[BretMan]

With respect to the runners tagging up or not, an infield fly has the exact same requirements as any other fly ball. You're not going to find a rule about uncaught or dropped infield flies. But you will find a rule about runners tagging up on ANY fly ball. That's the rule that covers this.

[josephrt1]

you can also look at rule 8.4.L

L. When an infield fly is declared and caught runners may tag-up and advance. If the ball is not caught runners may advance at their own risk.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by BretMan

With respect to the runners tagging up or not, an infield fly has the exact same requirements as any other fly ball. You're not going to find a rule about uncaught or dropped infield flies. But you will find a rule about runners tagging up on ANY fly ball that is caught. That's the rule that covers this.

Fixed that for you

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Fixed that for you

Fair enough!