Understanding the Infield Fly

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The height (other than it cannot be a line drive)

Height goes to ordinary effort. Wouldn't you agree that a 12' pop not hit directly at a fielder will typically not qualify for ordinary effort?

Of course it's a HTBT, but...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

Height goes to ordinary effort. Wouldn't you agree that a 12' pop not hit directly at a fielder will typically not qualify for ordinary effort?

Of course it's a HTBT, but...

Nope. Absolutely nothing to do with the rule and wouldn't even consider mentioning the height. That is just as ridiculous as saying a player cannot block the base without the ball when doing so has zero to do with an obstruction call.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Nope. Absolutely nothing to do with the rule and wouldn't even consider mentioning the height. That is just as ridiculous as saying a player cannot block the base without the ball when doing so has zero to do with an obstruction call.

I agree that in practice, and in front of the coach, no mention of the height of the ball should be made.

However, here, on the board, when you're trying to get your audience to "see" the play for themselves, it is relevant.

To the coach, simply use the terminology that is actually in the rule.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Mass Ump

He actually yelled why isn't that an infield fly in a demanding way. If he had called time and then asked me why I didn't call it I would have gotten both coaches together and then maybe would have called it.

Two awful things here. First and foremost - the demeanor of the coach should never ever play a role in your decision making (other than the decision to announce his ejection, I suppose). Second - you don't ask for coach input and then make a call.

If YOU thought this was an infield fly (and only you can decide this, we weren't there) and failed to call it, then fix it after the fact. If YOU did not, tell the coach it was not easily caught with normal effort, as the rule requires.

To me, it seems likely that a ball 12-15 feet and not directly at the pitcher could easily be judged to be not easily caught with normal effort. The fact that she didn't catch it shouldn't affect your judgement, but it may have validated that judgement.

Remember, the rule is there to protect the OFFENSE from the defense getting an easy double play. Not to protect the defense from having to play defense.