Sacrifice Fly

A sacrifice fly (often abbreviated "sac fly" or SF) is a fly ball caught by an outfielder that allows a runner to tag up from third base and score. The batter sacrifices their at-bat to drive in a run.

Sacrifice Fly Rules

For a sacrifice fly:

• Ball must be a fly ball (not a line drive or ground ball)
• The fly ball must be caught
• A runner must score after tagging up
• Batter is credited with an RBI
• Batter is NOT charged with an at-bat

Why the At-Bat Doesn't Count

The sacrifice fly doesn't hurt your batting average because:

• You've done something productive (scored a run)
• The play was executed intentionally
• It would be unfair to penalize batters for driving in runs

However, it DOES count against your on-base percentage.

How to Hit a Sacrifice Fly

When a sac fly is needed:

• Look for a pitch to lift into the outfield
• Don't swing at low pitches (harder to elevate)
• Contact is more important than power
• Opposite-field fly balls are often effective

Situational Requirements

Sacrifice flies typically occur with:

• Runner on third base
• Fewer than two outs
• Need to score a run
• Deep enough outfield positioning

Sacrifice Fly Records

• Single Season: Howard Johnson (1991) to 15 sacrifice flies
• Career: Hank Aaron: 121 sacrifice flies

The sacrifice fly wasn't always tracked, it became an official statistic in 1954.