Rules and outs
Infield fly rule
With runners on first and second, or the bases loaded, and fewer than two outs, a fair fly ball an infielder can catch with ordinary effort is an infield fly. The umpire calls it, and the batter is out whether or not the ball is caught.
The rule stops the defense from dropping an easy pop-up on purpose to turn a double play on runners who had to stay near their bases.
- It never applies to a line drive or an attempted bunt.
- It's about ordinary effort, not where the fielder is standing: an outfielder can make the catch and it's still an infield fly.
- Near a line, the umpire calls "Infield fly, if fair." If the ball lands foul, it's just a foul ball.
- The ball stays live. Runners may advance at their own risk, and if the ball is caught they have to tag up first.
Based on NFHS Rule 2-19; the batter is out under 8-4-1j. Leagues can word or apply rules differently, so check your league's current rulebook.
See it on the field
- Read the playRunners on first and second, pop-up behind third
- Ask the coachWhen is it an infield fly?
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