I'm a softball parent looking for a clarification of the infield fly rule Even the locall umpires seem to be in a quandry over exactly how to proceed. Can anyone here tell me exactly what the IF rule states. My own look at the rule book version left me even more in the dark. What is the rule and what is the consequence of an infield fly? Thanks.

[Edited by Mr. Kibitz on May 28th, 2002 at 05:47 PM]

The infield fly rule simply states that if there are less than 2 outs, with 1st and 2nd occupied or the bases loaded, any fair fly that can easily be caught by an infielder is an infield fly; the batter is automatically ruled out thereby removing the force on the runners. It is not a dead ball and the runners are free to advance just as on any other fly ball, i.e. they must tag up if the ball is caught, tag-up is not required if the ball is not caught. The runners are not required to run even if the ball is dropped.

The purpose of the rule to to protect the offense from an easy double play by the defenses who, by letting the ball drop uncaught to the ground, could easily throw out the runners who must stay close to their bases in anticipation that the ball would be caught. it is NOT intended to "award" the defense with an easy out.

SamC

Thanks a million!!

???
 

I have read that the infield fly rule only applies with runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded and less than 2 outs. I would think it would also apply with a runner on 1st. The rule was designed to protect the runner from an easy double play. Does the rule mean 1st, 1st and 2nd and bases loaded? Kinda confusing!! :)

With a runner only on 1st........the BR should be close enough to first that they would NOT be put out if the ball is dropped........only R1 would be in jeopardy of being put out.......

That is why the IFR is not in effect with only a runner on 1st........

Joel

Re: ???
 

Not confusing at all. The IFR is one of the easiest rules in the book. The rule is meant to protect teams from easy double plays. Their runners who would be in jeopardy if they leave their base too soon and in equal jeopardy if the don't run at all if the ball is dropped.

The batter-runner has no such restrictions and if they are too lazy/dumb to not run on a batted ball, they deserve to be ruled out.

I agree Mike, however....
 

There's the "Intentionally dropped ball" rule to FURTHER protect his lazy axx!!!!

If the guy's standing there cussing.....I SURE hate that I HAVE to protect R1, though.

Jeff