Infield Fly Definition

An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an

attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort,

when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied,

before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations

himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the

purpose of this rule.

When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the

umpire shall immediately declare “Infield Fly” for the benefit of the runners.

If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare “Infield

Fly, if Fair.”

The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being

caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on

any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul.

If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the

ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul

ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the

baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an

Infield Fly.

(Infield Fly) Comment: On the infield fly rule the umpire is to

rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an

infielder-not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or

the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an

infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s

judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an

infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an

appeal play. The umpire’s judgment must govern, and the decision

should be made immediately.

When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their

own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally

drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions

of Rule 5.09(a)(12). The infield fly rule takes precedence.

If interference is called during an Infield Fly, the ball remains

alive until it is determined whether the ball is fair or foul. If

fair, both the runner who interfered with the fielder and the batter

are out. If foul, even if caught, the runner is out and the batter

returns to bat.