The Infield Fly Rule, Explained Simply
When it is called, why it exists, and what happens to the batter and the runners.
In one sentence: with runners on first and second (or bases loaded) and fewer than two outs, if the batter hits a fair pop-up an infielder can catch with ordinary effort, the batter is automatically out, caught or not, and the runners do not have to advance.
When the Infield Fly Rule Applies
All of these must be true at the same time:
- Runners on first and second, OR the bases are loaded
- Fewer than two outs
- A fair fly ball that is not a line drive and not a bunt
- An infielder can catch it with ordinary effort
When those conditions are met, the umpire raises a fist and calls "Infield fly, batter is out." The ball stays live, so runners may advance at their own risk, but they are no longer forced because the batter is already out.
Why the Rule Exists
Picture runners on first and second with one out and an easy pop-up to the shortstop. Without the rule, the shortstop could let it drop, then start a double play on runners who were frozen near their bases. The infield fly rule removes that trap: the batter is out on the pop-up no matter what, so the defense gains nothing by dropping it. It protects the offense from losing two outs on one cheap play.
Common Misunderstandings
- The ball is not dead. Runners can advance, and they can be tagged out.
- It does not apply to line drives or bunts, only to pop fly balls.
- It does not apply with a runner on first only, or with two outs.
- If the pop-up drifts foul and lands untouched, it is simply a foul ball, not an out.
Infield Fly Rule FAQ
What is the infield fly rule?
The infield fly rule makes the batter automatically out when they hit a fair fly ball (not a line drive or bunt) that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort, while there are runners on first and second or the bases are loaded with fewer than two outs. The batter is out whether or not the ball is caught.
Why does the infield fly rule exist?
It exists to stop the defense from intentionally dropping an easy pop-up to turn a cheap double or triple play. Without the rule, forced runners would be caught between bases on a ball they had no chance to advance on. The rule protects the offense from that trap.
Is the ball dead on an infield fly?
No. The ball stays live. The batter is out, but runners may advance at their own risk, just like on any other caught or uncaught fly ball. If a runner tags up and the ball was caught, normal tag-up rules apply.
What happens if the infielder drops the ball?
Nothing changes for the batter, who is still out once the umpire signals infield fly. Because the ball is live and there is no force (the batter is already out), runners do not have to advance and the defense cannot get a cheap force out.
Does the infield fly rule apply with a runner only on first?
No. It only applies with runners on first and second, or with the bases loaded, and fewer than two outs. With a runner on first alone, or with two outs, there is no infield fly.
Want your players to recognize this in real time? Test their game sense with the Baseball IQ Test, and learn where everyone goes on a pop-up in Ball, Base, or Backup.
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