Infield Fly Rule
Also known as: infield fly, infield fly if fair, infield fly rule explained, infield fly call
An infield fly is a fair fly ball, not a line drive or bunt, that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort. It applies only with fewer than two outs and runners on first and second, or the bases loaded. The umpire calls it, and if the ball stays fair the batter is out whether or not it is caught. Runners may advance at their own risk.
The rule stops a cheap double or triple play. Without it, an infielder could let an easy pop-up drop on purpose. Runners who stayed near their bases would then be forced to run, and the defense could get two outs. Calling the batter out removes the force and protects the runners.
The umpire judges ordinary effort, not where the fielder stands. In MLB's rules, the pitcher, catcher and any outfielder playing in the infield count as infielders. MLB's rules also say a ball caught by an outfielder can still be an infield fly if an infielder could have handled it as easily. Near a foul line the umpire calls 'Infield fly, if fair.' The batter is out only if the ball ends up fair. A declared infield fly that drops untouched and rolls foul before passing first or third base is a foul ball.
The ball stays live. If it is caught, runners must tag up before advancing, as on any caught fly ball. If it drops, the runners are not forced, but they may still advance at their own risk. Many young runners freeze or take off on the call. Coaches teach them to listen for it and play it like any fly ball.
Tips by skill level
Remember the setup: fewer than two outs and a force at third, meaning runners on first and second or the bases loaded. That is the only time an infield fly can be called.
As a runner, listen for the call, then play it like any fly ball. Stay close, tag up if it is caught and advance only if the defense gives you a chance. As a fielder, still catch it. A dropped infield fly is a live ball.
Example
Runners are on first and second with one out. The batter pops the ball up near the mound. The umpire points up and calls 'Infield fly, the batter is out.' The second baseman lets it drop. The batter is already out and the runners are not forced. The runner who drifted off second simply goes back to the bag.
Why it matters
It is one of the most misunderstood rules in the game. Knowing it keeps runners from being doubled off and keeps fielders from making a pointless throw.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the ball must be caught for the batter to be out
- Thinking it applies with two outs or with only a runner on first
- Running on a caught infield fly without tagging up
- Calling a line drive or a bunt an infield fly
Frequently asked questions
What is the infield fly rule?
An infield fly is a fair fly ball, not a line drive or bunt, that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort. It applies with fewer than two outs and runners on first and second, or the bases loaded. If the ball stays fair, the batter is out whether or not it is caught.
Does the infield fly rule apply with two outs?
No. It applies only with fewer than two outs. With two outs, the defense needs just one more out, and a dropped pop-up gives them nothing extra.
Do runners have to run on an infield fly?
No. Because the batter is out, no runner is forced to run. Runners may stay or advance at their own risk. If the ball is caught, they must tag up before advancing.
Why is there an infield fly rule?
It stops the defense from letting an easy pop-up drop on purpose. Without the rule, runners who stayed near their bases could be forced out in a cheap double or triple play.
Sources
Related terms
- Pop-Up (Batting)A pop-up is a batted ball with extreme backspin and a very steep launch angle (above 50°). It goes nearly straight up and is almost always caught for an out.
- Tag UpTagging up means a baserunner returns to and touches their current base as a fly ball is caught, then takes off toward the next base — the legal method of advancing on a caught fly.
- Force PlayA force play is an out recorded by a fielder simply touching the base ahead of a runner who is required to advance. No tag is needed, because the runner has to advance to make room for the batter-runner or a trailing runner.
- Baserunning ReadA baserunning read is the split-second decision a runner makes based on what the ball does after contact — whether to advance, hold, or retreat.
- Double Play PivotThe double play pivot is a middle infielder's footwork at second base to catch a throw and fire it to first. It must be quick and avoid the sliding runner.
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