Infield fly rule?!?!

[The Man In Blue]

Everybody should know when the IF rules is in effect: it is a very clearly defined situation. If your base coaches don’t know there are less than two outs and runners on first and second base, then you need new base coaches.

Results can be “overturned” if a PU does not make the verbal call. The batter is still called out if it is determined the fly ball should have qualified.

I can tell you sorry, no problem there. What did you gain? A “CVU” (Coach Vs. Umpire) point in the ledger? If it makes you feel better. Would you like a cookie too?

Sorry, these case plays are from the 2019 NFHS Baseball case book, but the rule is the same. (Since the Illinois association only sends books every other year now, you’d think they could give us free access electronically. I buy the e-books on the off years, so waiting for the2020 editions.)

7.4.1 SITUATION G: With R2 on second and R1 on first and one out, B4 hits a high fly to second base which could have been caught by F4. Neither umpire declares "infield fly." F4 unintentionally drops the ball but picks it up and tags R1 who is off the base.
RULING: The half-inning is over as R1' s out is the third out. The infield fly out for the second out holds even though it was not declared. The situation determines the out, not the declaration. The umpires should always declare "Infield Fly, If Fair" to lessen any confusion.

10.2.3 SITUATION F: With R3 on third and no outs, B2 hits a high fly in the infield above the second baseman's head. The base umpire erroneously calls "Infield fly. The batter is out." F4 subsequently drops the ball. R3 scores from third and B2 ends up on second base. Does the play stand or is B2 out but the run allowed to score?
RULING: The play would stand. Both teams have the responsibility to know when conditions exist for an infield fly. The batter-runner should attempt to reach base safely and then inform the umpire that his call was in error. (7-4-1f) 10.2.3

SITUATION G: With R2 on second and R1 on first and no outs, B3 hits an infield fly, but the umpire fails to call "infield fly." Is the infield fly in effect or not?
RULING: Even though the infield fly rule was not announced by the umpire, it is still in effect. Both teams have the responsibility to know when conditions exist for an infield fly.

 

[WVSteven]

it is correct that results cannot be overturned based on failure of umpire to do something

No it isn't. The infield fly rule clearly states that if the rule should have been enforced the HPU has the opportunity to go back and rectify the situation.

The umpire manual says that the HPU has the ability to rectify any situation where a misapplication of a rule causes either team to be put at a disadvantage.

So it's not correct that results cannot be overturned base on a failure of an umpire to do his/her job.

 

[bmakj]

was not talking about if the IFR might possibly applied, for it to actually be applied, there still remains the judgement of the HPU on the "routineness" of the catch. there is no way for anyone other than the HPU to know if they has judged it to be "routine" unless they make the call. only the judgement of the HPU matters. Base coaches and runners can think it should or should not be IFR, but only the call of the HPU makes it so.

 

[CHSUmp97]

my point is there is no way for anybody but the HPU to know for certain IFR is in effect, except for the call by the HPU. Everyone (coaches, BR, fans, hot dog man, etc.) may all believe it is in effect, but without call by HPU, cannot be certain.

You seem to be confusing when the infield fly rule is “in effect” vs when it should actually be called. “In effect” happens when there are runners at first and second or bases loaded, and there are less than two outs when a batter comes to bat. Coaches should understand and advise their base runners to stay on their bases and NOT RUN when a fly ball is hit in the infield and the PU calls the IFF but then the infielder doesn’t catch the ball. Too many runners will take off when that happens, failing to realize that the batter is out so they are no longer forced to advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WVSteven]

was not talking about if the IFR might possibly applied, for it to actually be applied, there still remains the judgement of the HPU on the "routineness" of the catch. there is no way for anyone other than the HPU to know if they has judged it to be "routine" unless they make the call. only the judgement of the HPU matters. Base coaches and runners can think it should or should not be IFR, but only the call of the HPU makes it so.

I can see what you are saying, only the HPU calls it verbally and will he or won't she?
Two things:
1) Every call depends on the judgment of one of the umpires on the field regardless of the routine or difficulty in making the play or the call. You are always at the mercy of his judgment, ability, and objectivity, that's just a fact.
2) If you want to avoid the IFR, tell your girls not to hit pop-ups with runners on 1-2 and less than 2 outs. The umpire did not put us in this situation, your offense did. Umpires will make the best call they can most of the time. But when you are in a hurry to complain about the umpire, don't forget, it was your player who hit the pop fly.

While the base umpire(s) will not verbalize the call, they will likely point up to indicate their opinion regarding the play. When you see that, you have a pretty good indication as to what the call will be.