- May 29, 2015
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Basically just letting it drop. The point to get from the rule supplement is that in order for a ball to be considered intentionally dropped it has be considered legally caught first. Also don’t forget that an infield fly supersedes an intentionally dropped ball
An infield fly and an intentionally dropped ball cannot occur on the same play, therefore one cannot supersede the other. My thought, and it is just my thought, is that the same logic is used in each rule to extend the protection to the offense. Both rules include the clause "which can be caught ... with ordinary effort". (edited out the description of infielder for infield fly). Burying an obscure and illogical interpretation in the supplement speaks to how tacky and incorrect it is. (Note: dropping an infield fly or letting it drop does not require intent.)
Letting it drop is letting it drop. That is intentional. What is "guiding it to the ground" and why would it be considered something different?
Runner on first base, one out. The batter hits a pop fly to F4. F4 camps out under the ball and repeatedly yells "I got it!" The batter (batter runner now) does not run and R1 is holding on first base. F4 sees this and, at the last moment, steps back and intentionally lets the ball drop. F4 picks it up and throws to F6 at second base; F6 throws to F3 at first base for the double play.
I find it VERY hard to believe that is the intent of this rule. If it is, then there is no reason for the rule to exist.