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The purpose of the
infield fly
Have you ever wondered why there is an "Infield Fly
Rule" in baseball and softball? The Infield Fly Rule is one of the oldest rules
in the game making its first appearance in baseball rules in 1895. In that year
it was in effect with one out. In 1901, the rule was amended to the exact form
we use today.
With runners on first and second, or the bases loaded,
AND with less than two outs, if the batter hits a fly ball that can be caught
by an infielder with ordinary effort, the batter is out. If it were not for
that rule, wily infielders could try for an easy double play by letting the
ball drop untouched to the ground, then throwing for a force out at third base,
with the relay catching another runner before he reaches his base.
Knowing the rule isn't enough. Umpires must follow proper mechanics
when making the call. In fact, this is one of the few instances where some of
the field mechanics are incorporated into the actual rules language.
When the ball has reached its highest point, the umpire says "Infield
Fly, the batter is out."
The umpire should not rush to judgment. On
windy days, a ball that starts out as an infield fly might end up deep in the
outfield. Or, a ball that seems headed for the outfield might end up being
easily caught by an infielder.
Remember, the runners will be hanging
around near the bases anyway. Since the purpose of the rule is not to give the
defense a cheap out, and to prevent the offense from hitting into a cheap
double play, wait until you're certain the ball can be caught with ordinary
effort.
If the fly is coming down near the foul line, the umpires must
say: "Infield Fly, the batter is out, if fair."
enerally speaking, any
umpire can determine the status of any potential infield fly and his partner
should echo the call and signal after his partner has made his judgment.
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