Question with some help interpretation of the rule.
Bases were loaded infield was playing at medium depth ( 2nd baseman was about 5 to 8 feet behind the baseline ) ball was popped up in the air and the 2nd baseman took 3 normal steps back to make a play on the ball.
When the attempt was made to catch the ball she dropped the ball and all runners were able to advance safely.
After the play was over we asked the plate umpire why the infield fly rule wasn't called and his response was that the defense was not a normal playing depth which caused it to not be a normal routine fly ball.
My question is
Does the infield have to be a normal depth on the play in order for the rule to be inforced?
Bases were loaded infield was playing at medium depth ( 2nd baseman was about 5 to 8 feet behind the baseline ) ball was popped up in the air and the 2nd baseman took 3 normal steps back to make a play on the ball.
When the attempt was made to catch the ball she dropped the ball and all runners were able to advance safely.
After the play was over we asked the plate umpire why the infield fly rule wasn't called and his response was that the defense was not a normal playing depth which caused it to not be a normal routine fly ball.
My question is
Does the infield have to be a normal depth on the play in order for the rule to be inforced?