Infield Fly Rule
A rule that lets the umpire call the batter out on a fair fly ball an infielder can catch with ordinary effort, with runners on first and second (or bases loaded) and less than two outs.
Example Usage
“The umpire called 'infield fly' on the pop-up, so the batter was out even though the shortstop dropped it.”
Infield Fly Rule
The infield fly rule lets the umpire call the batter out on a fair fly ball that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort, when there are runners on first and second (or bases loaded) and less than two outs. It is a judgment call, not automatic: nothing happens unless the umpire declares it.
Purpose of the Rule
The rule exists to prevent unfair double or triple plays. Without it:
- Infielder could intentionally drop the ball
- Runners, forced to stay near their bases, would be easy outs
- Defense could get 2-3 outs on a simple pop-up
When It Applies
The infield fly rule requires ALL of these:
- Runners on first AND second (or bases loaded)
- Less than two outs
- Fair fly ball (not a line drive or bunt)
- Ball can be caught with "ordinary effort" by an infielder
What Happens When Called
- Batter is OUT as soon as the umpire calls it, even if the ball is dropped
- The ball is LIVE, so play keeps going
- If the ball is caught, runners must tag up to advance, like any fly ball
- If the ball is dropped, runners are not forced and may advance without tagging, at their own risk
- If the umpire called "if fair" and the ball lands foul, it is just a foul ball
The Umpire's Call
The umpire calls "Infield fly, batter is out!" (or "Infield fly, if fair!" near a foul line) while the ball is in the air. If no umpire makes the call, the rule is not in effect, and a dropped ball is played like any other.
In Youth Baseball
Most youth leagues use the infield fly rule. Some tee ball and coach pitch divisions do not, so check your league's local rules before the season. Teach your runners the part that matters for them: the ball is live, so when they hear "infield fly," they go back to their base and do not run on a drop unless a coach sends them.
Famous Infield Fly Controversy
In the 2012 NL Wild Card Game, with Atlanta trailing and runners on first and second in the eighth inning, Andrelton Simmons lifted a fly ball into shallow left field. Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma drifted out for it, peeled off, and the ball fell between him and the left fielder. The left field umpire called infield fly, so Simmons was out instead of the Braves loading the bases, and the argument over what counts as "ordinary effort" has not stopped since.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Lineup?
Now that you know what “Infield Fly Rule” means, put your knowledge to work with our free lineup generator.
Try Free Lineup Generator