Infield fly ruling

[The Man In Blue]

Weather can play a factor in calling Infield Fly as well ... an overly windy day could pretty much wipe IF from the books.

Not sure that I would factor the sun in though, as that is pretty consistent unlike gusting, swirling winds.

 

[testandor]

eddieq

... the IF rule is there to protect the offense from a "cheap" double play. It's not intended to give a free out to the defense.

canyonjoe

When you are on defense you never have the right to complain when it's not called. The rule is to protect the offense, not give a cheap out to the defense.

Both exactly right. As a long time former coach who's now umpiring, whenever I'm in an IF situation, as soon as that ball goes up, my first thought is always, "Do I need to protect the offense on this play?"

 

[MTR]

eddieq


canyonjoe


Both exactly right. As a long time former coach who's now umpiring, whenever I'm in an IF situation, as soon as that ball goes up, my first thought is always, "Do I need to protect the offense on this play?"

Actually, the rule makes that determination. The only consideration the umpire should take into account is if it could be caught with normal effort. Other than fair or foul, nothing else is relevant