Infield fly rule

Heisenberg · 05-23-2017, 12:44 PM

One thing I can't really get in baseball is the infield fly rule. I know when it happens, but how is it different from what would happen if there was no infield fly rule? I mean normally 1st base and 2nd base player can just stay there and still won't be out, even if the batter doesn't make it to the 1st base before having his ball caught. It is not like he must run to the next base, is it? Also, what's the difference about the batter being automatically out? He's out regardless if his ball is caught mid-air.

So basically what's the fuss about it? How does it change what happens on the field?

ohiodevil · 05-23-2017, 12:52 PM

Since it's only in effect with less than 2 outs it prevents the infielder from just letting the ball hit the ground and turning a double play since the runners would not move from the base because of the fly ball.

Heisenberg · 05-23-2017, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohiodevil

Since it's only in effect with less than 2 outs it prevents the infielder from just letting the ball hit the ground and turning a double play since the runners would not move from the base because of the fly ball.

Where is a double play there? You mean there's a double play if 2nd base doesn't advance to 3rd and 1st to 2nd?

But if it falls they have to throw the ball all the way to the base, there is no automatic out right?

Still can't get that...

ohiodevil · 05-23-2017, 01:12 PM

Lets say there are runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. The batter pops it up to towards third base. Now since it is a fly ball, the runners on base would not attempt to run. So if the rule did not exist, the 3B could just let the ball drop and pick it up and step on the base and throw to second for the double play.

Heisenberg · 05-23-2017, 01:16 PM

Got it now. Thanks!

Heisenberg · 05-23-2017, 01:22 PM

Alright, so to make sure that I understand it well. The purpose of the rule is to make batter out instead of someone on base, right?

ohiodevil · 05-23-2017, 01:28 PM

Since the ball is caught, the batter is called out. Here is the actual definition:

"The umpire's declaration of an infield fly means that the batter is out (and all force plays are removed) regardless of whether the ball is caught. The rule exists to prevent the defense from achieving a double play or triple play by failing to catch a ball that an infielder could catch with ordinary effort.

If there was no infield fly rule, the following could happen: Runners are on first and second with less than 2 outs. Pop fly is hit to the third baseman. He intentionally drops the fly ball, picks it up, touches third and then throws to second for a double play."

Dr. Strangelove · 05-23-2017, 08:19 PM

Well, there are some people who say that this rule is unnecessary, but it reslly increases the action, makes it more interesting to watch. Without it, double play would be all too easy, making the game shorter and more disappointing.

dsvitak · 06-03-2017, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heisenberg

Alright, so to make sure that I understand it well. The purpose of the rule is to make batter out instead of someone on base, right?

This rule PROTECTS the team batting, by only causing one out, instead of two.

Any defensive team would let the ball drop, and then get two, or even three outs.

You will occasionally see a play where there is a runner on first, with a soft line drive hit towards an infielder. Instead of catching it for the out, they purposefully allow it to drop, and then go for the double play.

Even more nuanced is where you have a very fast runner on first, and a slow runner hits the ball....letting it drop, and forcing the runner out at second base then replaces a very fast runner with a much slower runner..thus reducing the chances for a run scored downstream.

05-23-2017, 12:44 PM	#1
Heisenberg Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 25	Infield fly rule One thing I can't really get in baseball is the infield fly rule. I know when it happens, but how is it different from what would happen if there was no infield fly rule? I mean normally 1st base and 2nd base player can just stay there and still won't be out, even if the batter doesn't make it to the 1st base before having his ball caught. It is not like he must run to the next base, is it? Also, what's the difference about the batter being automatically out? He's out regardless if his ball is caught mid-air. So basically what's the fuss about it? How does it change what happens on the field?

05-23-2017, 01:28 PM	#7
ohiodevil OOTP Roster Team Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Rocky River, Ohio Posts: 2,446	Since the ball is caught, the batter is called out. Here is the actual definition: "The umpire's declaration of an infield fly means that the batter is out (and all force plays are removed) regardless of whether the ball is caught. The rule exists to prevent the defense from achieving a double play or triple play by failing to catch a ball that an infielder could catch with ordinary effort. If there was no infield fly rule, the following could happen: Runners are on first and second with less than 2 outs. Pop fly is hit to the third baseman. He intentionally drops the fly ball, picks it up, touches third and then throws to second for a double play." Last edited by ohiodevil; 05-23-2017 at 01:30 PM.

05-23-2017, 12:52 PM	#2
ohiodevil OOTP Roster Team Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Rocky River, Ohio Posts: 2,446	Since it's only in effect with less than 2 outs it prevents the infielder from just letting the ball hit the ground and turning a double play since the runners would not move from the base because of the fly ball.

05-23-2017, 01:12 PM	#4
ohiodevil OOTP Roster Team Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Rocky River, Ohio Posts: 2,446	Lets say there are runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. The batter pops it up to towards third base. Now since it is a fly ball, the runners on base would not attempt to run. So if the rule did not exist, the 3B could just let the ball drop and pick it up and step on the base and throw to second for the double play.

05-23-2017, 01:16 PM	#5
Heisenberg Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 25	Got it now. Thanks!

05-23-2017, 01:22 PM	#6
Heisenberg Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 25	Alright, so to make sure that I understand it well. The purpose of the rule is to make batter out instead of someone on base, right?

05-23-2017, 08:19 PM	#8
Dr. Strangelove Minors (Double A) Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 104	Well, there are some people who say that this rule is unnecessary, but it reslly increases the action, makes it more interesting to watch. Without it, double play would be all too easy, making the game shorter and more disappointing.