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Infield Fly Rule

Could you explain, the infield fly rule to me. Several people, including umpires have tried to explain it to me but they all give me different answers. What is the correct answer and how could I translate it so that a 7-8 year old could understand it?

Answer: As you may know, the infield fly rule is designed to protect base runners on first and second or first, second and third  from being forced out on a fly ball that, in the opinion of the umpire can be caught, but is dropped intentionally or otherwise by the infielder with less than two outs. In effect, the infield fly rule says to the runners that they do not have to run, even if the ball drops in, because the batter is declared automatically out. Runners may advance at their own risk (i.e. if a runner(s) runs on a fly ball that is judged to be an infield fly), and the infielder intentionally drops the ball, the runner can advance. This is because the ball remains in play when the infield fly rule is called. I hope this helps. I have included below the specific infield fly rule from the official baseball rule book for your information.

As for what to tell your 7-8 year old kids, I would try to explain that the rule is there to keep them from being put out unnecessarily in the event a fielder tries to fool or trick them. Young players should understand that as base runners, they do not try to advance on fly balls before the ball is caught if there is less than 2 out. If it is a fly ball in the infield, the kids should stay close to their base and  look to the umpire to see if he calls "Infield Fly!" If the umpire calls it an infield fly, players should understand that they are not forced to run if the fielder drops the ball. This is usually were the kids get confused - they know they shouldn't advance on a fly ball but when it drops they become confused and think they are forced to run. They are not forced, the infield fly rule protects them by allowing them to stay on their original base because the batter is out and not entitled to first base.

By the way... remind them that the infield fly rule only applies if there are runners on first AND second or first, second and third.  If there is just a runner on first base only an infielder can drop a fly ball and force the base runner (the infield fly rule is not in effect).

I would be interested in hearing what conflicting information you may have heard about the infield fly rule.

Please let me know if you need a better explanation or additional information.

An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare "Infield Fly" for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare "Infield Fly, if Fair." The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an Infield Fly. On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. The infield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's judgment must govern, and the decision should be made immediately. When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05 (L). The infield fly rule takes precedence. (Rule 6.05 declares the batter to be out if he hits what is judged, by the umpire, to be a catchable fly ball.)

Taken from http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/baseball_basics/mlb_basics_define_terms.jsp.

February, 2003