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explain the infield fly rule

psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
0
0
i'm watching the yanks game, and there were 2 instances where the rule was in effect.

i know what the rule is (i think - basically fielder may not drop the ball on purpose to get more than one out, right?)

so lets say he slips, falls, misses the catch, but is able to recover the ball after it hits the ground.
what then? is he allowed to throw runners out?
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Umpires on the field will call the rule if there are 2 or more runners on base and the ball is popped up anywhere on the infield... when they make the indication, it is an automatic out for the hitter and the play is dead.
 

tm37

Lifer
Jan 24, 2001
12,436
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<< Umpires on the field will call the rule if there are 2 or more runners on base and the ball is popped up anywhere on the infield... when they make the indication, it is an automatic out for the hitter and the play is dead. >>



You are right except the play is not dead, The ball is still in play (the runners have to get back to where they started) The only chang from not calling infield fly is the infield does not have to catch the ball. Basically the rule is that the ball is assumed caught, which normally ends the play.