The Infield Fly Rule Explained

Did you see the Phillies - Rays game (Game 5). IT had to be suspended due to the wind and rain. It was so bad, that the infield umpires did not call the infield fly rule on a routine infield fly.

Well it wasn't routine. In fact Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies missed a easy pop fly earlier in the game. The umpire waived the infield fly rule because, in his determination, catching an infield fly ball was nothing but routine. I found it quite interesting.

Learn more about the infield fly rule and other interesting baseball situations. Even learn how to score the game.


The infield fly rule is a situational play that is ruled on by the umpire when the following conditions are met:

• There must be less than 2 outs in the inning
• There must be a force play at third base or homeplate
• There must be a popfly to anywhere in the infield. It must be in fair territory.

When all three conditions are met the umpire rules an "Infield Fly" or "Infield Fly Rule" Umpire.

Infield Fly Rule: Some Rules

• The batter is declared out and the runners cannot advance.
• The ball does not have to be caught by an infielder.
• The runner can run after the catch
• If the fielder drops the pop fly, it is still an out and the runners cannot advance
• Runners must tag up (retouch the base) before advancing. Failure to do so could result in a putout on an appeal play by the opponents.
• If the player drops the infield fly there is no need to tag up.

Infileld Fly Rule: Other Important Facts

This rule was added because fielders were intentionally dropping fly balls and getting double and sometimes triple plays.

Just to make sure you understand and there are no misconcepts ...

An infield fly rule CANNOT occur with only a runner on first base. The rule is for popflys in the infield only. No bunts! No Line Drives!

The player who catches the infield fly gets credited with a Putout. If the ball is not caught, credit a putout to the fielder closest to the ball.No error is charged to a player who drops a ball when the Infield Fly Rule is in effect. However, an error could occur after the Infield Fly Rule is in effect. It is in effect until the ball is caught or the ball is dropped.