Confused on infield fly

[wadeintothem]

My first year doing softball. I'm doing lower-level co-ed rec league. ASA rules. Fun times.

Welcome!

It's my understanding that when infield fly is invoked, the batter is out and the runners are free to advance at their own peril.

The batter is out; rules regarding catch/appeal remain the same as any other caught fly ball (or uncaught as the case may be).

Two situations I observed during my last two games.

First game, R1 on 2nd, R2 on 3rd, batter hits pop fly to F4, infield fly is called. F4 catches the ball as R1 is about 6 or 7 feet off the base when the IF is called. F4 throws the ball to F6 who steps on the base before R1 can get back. R1 is called out.

This is not an IF situation and IF should not have been called. Less than two outs - runners at 1B & 2B or 1B, 2B, & 3B.

So, even though IF is invoked, the tag up rule still applies? (I apologize if I'm not using correct terminology here....I'm new) I thought, based on the rule, the runner had the right to advance, thus it wouldn't be a force out, but R1 would need to be tagged.

When correctly called - all "tag up" rules are exactly the same as any other caught/uncaught fly ball.

Second game, same runners, same pop fly. Except this time, F4 drops the ball. I call BR out, then R1 breaks for 3rd base. She gets caught in a rundown and gets tagged out by F4. I call her out. My observer comes onto the field and declares that she should be safe, as the ball was dead on the infield fly.

The ball is not dead on IF. Were IF correctly called - this is an out. Runners advance at their own risk.

He told me after the game that if the ball is dropped, the play is immediately dead and runners go back to their bases. I can't remember reading this in the rule book.

Help?

It is not in any rule book, so tell your obvserver to stay off your field and observe only.

[bniu]

This is not an IF situation and IF should not have been called. Less than two outs - runners at 1B & 2B or 1B, 2B, & 3B.

even easier way to remember the rule: less than two outs, force play at 3rd. that's the way I learned it

[bniu]

only two benefits of intentionally letting a fly ball in the IF drop (non IFF situation) with a runner on first are:

1. Runner on 1st is fast while the batter is slow. Let the ball fall to the ground UNTOUCHED, pick it up on the bounce, get the force at 2nd. Of course you risk a bad bounce and then getting no one out...

2. Batter is pissed at the short fly and just standing at home plate muttering to himself, and R1 is holding 2 feet off first, pick it up on the bounce throw to 2nd, and then throw to 1st, double play!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bniu

only two benefits of intentionally letting a fly ball in the IF drop (non IFF situation) with a runner on first are:

1. Runner on 1st is fast while the batter is slow. Let the ball fall to the ground UNTOUCHED, pick it up on the bounce, get the force at 2nd. Of course you risk a bad bounce and then getting no one out...

2. Batter is pissed at the short fly and just standing at home plate muttering to himself, and R1 is holding 2 feet off first, pick it up on the bounce throw to 2nd, and then throw to 1st, double play!

Why would anyone be dumb enough to let the ball drop untouched?

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Why would anyone be dumb enough to let the ball drop untouched?

Two word answer: slow pitch.

(don't get me wrong...there is good slow pitch, and damn it's a good game when played well...but...)

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

Two word answer: slow pitch.

(don't get me wrong...there is good slow pitch, and damn it's a good game when played well...but...)

Actually, the SP players I know are smart enough to guide and trap the ball instead of just letting it come down.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actually, the SP players I know are smart enough to guide and trap the ball instead of just letting it come down.

Or if it's during the afternoon during a weekend tournament: "Ah! DaMmIt! Sun in my eye!"