Umpiring / The Infield Fly Rule

There have been, time and again, players in Our Game who have "technically professional" umpiring experience. Few of us should claim to know all of MLB’s rules. Our umpire (yes, you!) is encouraged (here only, not vociferously verbally at the field, please) and welcome to consult with others as they see fit to make the correct call. There is not one instance ever of a catcher lying about whether a ball is fair or foul. How the ump decides a play - be it right or wrong - is final and the game moves on.

Over the years, The Infield Fly Rule is the rule causing the most confusion. The Rule, as on MLB.com is "below the fold."

Simplified some: the IFR is not automatic on every ball hit in the air in the infield. The IFR should only be called and called only by the umpire (and called as, "Infield fly, if fair!" and, if ruled fair, "The batter is out!"):
- only when there are runners on 1B and 2B or bases full with zero or one out
- AND only if in the immediate judgment of the umpire while the ball is in the air (with time to make that full call) that the player will reasonably and routinely make a catch.

Simplified more: if invoking the IFR be sure that it's obvious that the play will be made. Be. Sure. In Our Game. That a catch is "routine".

We do not bend any rule on some sliding scale based on skill levels of individual players. (If a pitcher is throwing 140 miles per hour and a batter is hitting .006 it is still not "four strikes and you're out.") If that specific player probably won't make that catch even though some other play might, The IFR is not invoked.

Come to play (and ump) with the expectation that not all popups will be caught. Few of us ordinarily make every play and make it look routine. Having every ball caught is hoped for but far from expected and so the IFR should infrequently be called in Our Game. And good luck umping - wear a hick skin and a helmet.

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From MLB.com: “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.”

“Rule 2.00 (Infield Fly) Comment: 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.”