Infield Fly Rule

Exactly !!

You know dad I kind of miss T-Ball, my kid thought every time the ball was hit she was suppose to run with the ball instead of throwing it. Most of the time she could out run the boys to first base.. those were the years.. Guru & fastpitchndad taking a little R&R !!

 

It has to be fair and (in the judgement of the umpire at the zenith of flight) catchable by an infielder, pitcher or catcher with "ordinary effort." Other than that, it can be at the edge of the grass, or two feet from the home plate. It can be caught by an outfielder (which changes not a thing... well except that the runners have to tag up before trying to advance, same as if anyone else caught it).

If caught in foul territory...

The batter is still out (it's not foul, it's caught).

 

Here is a good addon... when INFIELD FLY is called, at what point can runners advance if the ball is NOT caught? (ie. Do they have to tag up if the ball is not caught?)

 

Anytime...

They are free to take off as soon as the infield fly is called and can continue to the next base or bases. If it is dropped, they are safe (assuming they got to the next base without being thrown out). If it is caught, they can be doubled off...

Keep it simple. When it is called, get back to the bag ASAP and stay there unless/until the coach tells you to go!

 

This is a judgement call on the umpires part. It has to be caught in FAIR territory with "ordinary effort." It can be caught by ANY defensive player.

 

AWESOME!!! I miss TBall too. My favorite is no matter where the ball goes, all the kids but 3 will run and tackle eachother for the ball!!

The 3 kids who arent in the affray are the pitcher, the catcher, and the kid who is still bent over with his hands on his knees, baggy pants, hat that does not fit, with a HUGE smile on his face!

And the moms are very pretty too. lol

Fish

 

Not exactly... the umpire has to believe that it could be caught with ordinary effort by some infielder. But that's probably what you meant, and I'm just picking nits.

 

I believe he was including out-fielders too... (but it has to still be in the "infield" area)


Also, I believe the infield-fly is always treated as a CAUGHT ball and the runners may only leave the base(tag up) after the ball first touches a fielder or the ground

 

I don't know about NCAA, but in ASA and NFHS you would be incorrect. You must only tag up if the ball is actually caught. I can't prove the negative by rule citation, except that ASA 8.4.D says "When a legally caught fly ball is first touched by a defensive player." and doesn't add "or touches the ground in an IFF situation" nor can I find it anywhere else regarding IFF.