Infield Fly Rule Meaning in Baseball

Definition: The Infield Fly Rule is a rule where the batter is automatically called out on a high, easy-to-catch fly ball in the infield when there are runners on first and second base and fewer than two outs. This rule is designed to prevent the defense from intentionally dropping the ball to trick the runners into an easy double play.

This rule only applies when the runners are “forced” to run to the next base if the ball hits the ground. Without this rule, a clever infielder could let a simple pop-up fall to the dirt, quickly pick it up, and tag or force out the runners who stayed near their bases to avoid being caught. When the umpire shouts “Infield Fly,” the batter is out immediately, and the runners can stay safely on their original bases without the fear of being forced out by a deliberate drop.

You can tell when the rule is in effect because the umpire will point high into the air and yell the phrase loudly. Even if the fielder actually drops the ball after the umpire makes the call, the batter is still out. For the runners, the play becomes just like any other fly ball: they can try to run at their own risk after the ball is touched, but since the batter is already out, they are no longer forced to move.

Example: With runners on first and second, the batter hit a pop-up to the shortstop; the umpire called an Infield Fly, so the batter was out even though the fielder bobbled the ball.