British Guys BAFFLED by Baseball’s Infield Fly Rule! (FIRST TIME REACTION)

[@DNReacts]

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[@umpdaddy1]

It's actually an easy rule to understand if you watch examples of the play.

[@joshpavlik3343]

Y’all should do a video about the yips and yes it’s a real thing that has derailed players careers some temporary others for good

[@Mike-ix3iz]

The infield fly means that the team on defense can't intentionally drop the ball to force the players on base to run. The players on bases can stay at their bases and be safe cuz no matter what happens the batter is automatically out any players on base don't have to advance.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you Mike!

[@Mike-ix3iz]

Don't feel bad guys, I have been watching baseball my entire life and this is one of the hardest things to understand about the game!

[@rickm8443]

And everyone thinks they know what the rule is… and argue profusely…. Even though they really don’t understand. I have lost count on how many times I have tried to explain this rule to people. We sit there arguing and sometimes they understand. But usually I just walk away shaking my head.

[@terrylandess6072]

It really is as simple as that because - people.

[@adamp2029]

Yeah, why didn’t this video just show some actual instances of it. This made it more convoluted than it needs to be.

[@AJontheguitar]

It's complicated and basically I simplify it to "can the infielder trick the runners into getting forced out." If they can physically do so, it's typically called an infield fly rule.

[@DNReacts]

We should have just asked you 😂

[@molsonsens]

@@DNReacts lol, Other key things. You were right, does not need to be caught, batter is already out. It is also not a dead ball. If caught the runners do need to tag. If not caught or after being caught, "The runners may advance at their own peril" (ie its a live ball until time is called by an infielder in possession of the ball).

[@arcxjo]

But only if they can do it at third. If there's just a runner on first who could get forced out at second it doesn't trigger the IFR. There has to at least be first and second, or loaded bases.

[@jtothac5364]

Has to be runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded with less than 2 outs. It’s as simple as that

[@philipmcniel4908]

@@molsonsens So if the infield-fly rule is called but the ball isn't caught, the batter is out _but the runners don't have to tag up?_ That's one bit of the infield fly rule I didn't even know before this video!

[@docbearmb]

You boys did exceptionally well. Basically you grasped the concept. The only time you got thrown off was in the exceedingly rare instances when the umps have their heads up their asses for this fairly routine call. For two of your incorrect answers it comes down to the players knowing the rule’s proper enforcement even if the umps “zone out”. Also, on the live ball question, it was never explained at any time during his video that the only real thing that happens is the batter is out. Runners can tag up and advance (at their own peril) if the ball is caught. Also they can just stay out whether the ball is caught or dropped (they are protected) since the batter is out -the basic rationale for the rule. But no matter what, at no point is it a dead ball. The ball is live unless at some point time out is called.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you, appreciate it! Great context as well, makes perfect sense. Thanks for the comment.

[@iamdondawson]

Hahaha the live ball discussion was classic

[@DNReacts]

We had a lot of fun with this one 😂

[@keithwest2148]

What a classic episode of your series on baseball. Many years ago I played beer league softball and would umpire games for other teams. This rule would cause long, drawn out, and contradictory arguments and interpretations. There are less complicated rules argued frequently before the Supreme Court. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks Keith, love that you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment.

[@michaelsmith-iu1be]

I think you guys are doing incredibly well. I know people that have enjoyed watching baseball for decades that still don't understand this rule. You guys are going about learning the game the right way, witch is dissecting anything as soon as you realize you don't get something. Most fans don't take the time to do this.

[@DNReacts]

Appreciate the comment Michael, thank you

[@gemoftheocean]

"Witch" does not mean what you think it does. The word you wanted was WHICH.

[@michaelsmith-iu1be]

@@gemoftheocean brain fart. thanks

[@umpdaddy1]

The rule is there to protect the runners from an easy double play.

[@sneersh9107]

Don't feel so bad guys, I've been watching baseball for 20 years and I still got the "Live Ball" question wrong along with you lol. Something I've never thought about before.

[@DNReacts]

😅 Good to know we’re not alone. Thank you for the comment, really appreciate it!

[@nathansimpson5721]

There is an iconic playoff moment where this happened. You guys should react to the 2012 Wild Card game between the Braves and Cardinals where the infield fly rule happened.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you Nathan, appreciate the suggestion. Have added to our list!

[@lexzone-six9912]

@@DNReacts I was at that game in Atlanta and we were furious with how the infield fly rule was applied. The field ended up being littered with trash and beer bottles.

[@Cashcrop54]

Another great video. You both get a "job well done" from me. Remember, this video was for umpires training. That is a crazy complex rule. There are so many subjective opinions involved. This needed some video examples.

[@DNReacts]

Appreciate this Mark, agree that video examples would have been great 😅! Thank you for the comment.

[@matthewjund3355]

You guys did great. I’ve been watching baseball 30 years and have played some form of it for 20. I didn’t know half of this and frankly it’s not something that happens a crazy amount. Ultimately it’s just there to stop an infielder from getting cheeky and letting an easy out fall to the ground

[@DNReacts]

Thanks Matthew, really appreciate it. That Makes perfect sense. Thank you for the comment.

[@KevinQuinn81]

6:45 - To clarify, you pretty much got it right but it helps to know that the umpire is also taught to say "batter's out" as they call "infield fly." Once they have made all of the appropriate judgements, they'll point to the sky, say "Infield fly! Batter's out! [if fair]." That tells the batter to stop running and the base runners to proceed at their own risk. IF the ball is caught, they still have to stay on the base or tag up before advancing. If it drops, they can stay or go as they see fit with no obligation to advance that would have been there if there was no infield fly rule. 11:54 - That whole thing was too funny but I'll add in the context...A dead ball is like a timeout or a stoppage in play. It is different from an out being called as the ball is always in play and things can happen on the field even if the normal course of a normal play has concluded. Once a ball is called death, NOTHING can happen as far as gameplay is concerned. Runners can not advance (mostly, I'll explain below), outs can not be made (mostly, some lower levels have dead ball appeals, don't worry about it), and runs can not be scored (mostly, again, it's below). It is called for in a lot of different situations but ones you'd be most familiar with are umpires calling time, batters being hit by a pitch, and balls leaving the field of play (this is the exception for no advancing because a home run allows for the batter and runners to advance and score and a ball thrown out of play usually allows for the umpires to award extra bases to the runners). There are also types of interference and obstruction that call for umpires to declare the ball immediately dead but those are more 200 or 300 level rules. 15:00 - YIKES!! He really dropped you into the deep end all of a sudden with this one. He didn't teach that and you obviously don't have access to the Case Book. 20:41 - In my opinion it's both. He's right that the ball won't tell you if the ball could be caught with ordinary effort by itself but it IS part of the equation and the it will certainly tell you if it is fair or foul. 21:27 - This is another one you wouldn't know if you weren't already an umpire. Don't worry about not getting it. It IS an annoying rule and has a lot of edge cases but it is much more easy to boil down once you know the basics and y'all have them now. You should be good to go.

[@JReyes624]

Those last few questions were umpire-specific questions for their procedure, so fans/spectators aren't really expected to know those small details. You shouldn't feel bad at all for your results. You guys understood the rule perfectly it seems, and no, the ball does not need to be caught for the runner to be out since an intentional drop is exactly what this rule prevents.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for the comment, really appreciate it! Glad we did okay 😀

[@craigm461]

That dead ball / live ball question is a tough one and I have been watching baseball for 40 years. The fact that you got 6 right knowing so little about baseball is impressive. This rule is crazy and I would never even try to explain it to a casual fan as it doesn't come up a lot. 8/11 for me.

[@nosliwec]

You guys are doing tremendously well in understanding all 4 sports journeys. There have been videos you have delved in that even I didn't know before this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you, really appreciate the comment!

[@TheJForte]

If the batter flies out then a runner can't advance to the next base unless they tag up. This rule prevents the infielders from not catching it on purpose and letting it hit the ground so they would have easy force outs leading to easy double and triple plays.

[@DNReacts]

Makes sense, thank you for the context and comment JForte

[@beoculture7671]

If you watch an in game example of an infield fly you will quickly understand the need for this rule. Simply put without the rule the fielder can purposely "miss" the catch in order to create a double play ball.

[@DNReacts]

That makes sense!

[@ronclark9724]

And infielders would drop the ball intentionally as two or three outs is better than one. So this rule protects the runners, the batter should be out anyway on an infield fly that is normally caught. Of course I have seen many normal tall infield foul fly balls dropped by the the catcher or infielders which could have earned an out instead of another foul... especially when there are gusty winds... Its no fun playing baseball when there are gusty winds...

[@arcxjo]

Some of those examples illustrate something I've heard suggested but never seen done which is if the fielding team recongizes an IF situation but the ump doesn't call it to just let the ball drop and see if they can draw the runners off base thinking they have to go now, because then they CAN potentially make a triple play including the batter if they can throw to the bases before the runners get back.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you for the context and info, really appreciate the comment.

[@mcmillanndu]

I once spent several hours in a pub with an RAF wing commander who was also a cricket umpire arguing the relative complexity of the infield fly rule and leg-before-wicket. After many pints we eventually each admitted that the other was right.

[@woundedcrow4606]

Any time there’s 2 or more people on base and less than 2 outs, the hitter is out if he hits a pop fly in the infield. It prevents the fielder from letting the ball drop and then trying to turn a cheap double play. Runners can’t advance on a fly ball unless they tag up (which is impossible on an infield fly) so the runners are standing on the base on an infield fly ball; which would make it easy to turn a double play if the fielder just lets it drop. Hence, the infield fly rule was necessitated

[@davidreidenberg9013]

Not runners on 2ed. and third.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

You can watch several seasons of baseball without seeing an infield fly drop without being caught, which is the only situation where it makes a difference. Umpires call infield flies all the time, but the fielders almost always catch the ball. If an infield fly is caught, the runners are still required to re-touch their bases. That's why the runners don't just start running for the next base. They could be doubled off (i.e. put out on appeal) if the ball is caught, which almost always happens. When the ball is dead, everything stops in place until the ball is put back into play again, which happens when the pitcher puts his foot on the pitching rubber while holding the ball. The ball becomes dead in several situations, including a foul ball, a time out called by an umpire, an over-the-fence home run, and a batter being hit by a pitch. In some dead-ball situations, runners are allowed to advance without being in danger of being put out (like a homer or a hit-by-pitch). But in many cases, the ball is still live even when play has stopped. For example, the ball is still live after a batter walks. When the ball is live, every runner is at risk of being put out, and any runner can try to advance to the next base. There are all kinds of weird cases in the rules that you rarely see in games. For instance, it covers what happens when a team bats out of order. The rules about offensive and defensive interference can be confusing. There's a special rule about ambidextrous pitchers pitching to switch hitters. It can be interesting to read the rulebook to see what kinds of crazy things are in there. And most of these crazy rules are there because, at some point, the situations came up in real games.

[@JohnnyUtah15]

13:30 Had me rolling after you two taking time to figure out if it was A or B 😂 and to be honest, I was right there with you two, lol.

[@arcxjo]

The easiest way to understand the IFR is if there's a forceout at 3rd and it would be a cheap shot for the infielder to just let the ball drop and turn a double (or triple) play instead of catch it, the batter is automatically out to stop that, even if he'd have to walk out a bit into the outfield to do it. It's just about sportsmanship.

[@floorticket]

I suppose we'll get to the "balk" and the "ground-rule double" eventually. What other quirky rules am I forgetting?

[@FizzyCape]

Nothing is as quirky and confusing as balk rules, but some weird ones are: outfielders dropping a ball into foul territory 250 feet or more from home plate counts as a home run If a fielder intentionally touches a batted ball with their hat, all runners advance 3 bases

[@arcxjo]

Most "ground-rule doubles" are actually "book-rule doubles". To be ground rule you'd have to look into every different park's configuration and ground rules, like lodging in the ivy at Wrigley. But a ball that bounces over the fence awarding a double is in the plain old regular rulebook and is specifically NOT part of individual parks' ground rules.

[@4NIC8R-RUN2A69]

Another good suggestion is the Armando Galarraga's game where the umpire's horrendous call cost him a perfect game.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for the comment and suggestion Steve, have added this one to our list!

[@areguapiri]

Good job. But remember, the infield fly is a "live ball" because even though the batter is automatically out, the runners are allowed to advance at their own risk if they choose, and the defense can also do whatever it wants with the ball after the ball comes down.

[@DNReacts]

This makes sense, thanks for the context and comment Aregua. Appreciate it.

[@wilshade]

Oh dear lord, guys. You've stumbled upon one of the "Weaver Rules". ROFLMAO. Remember he kept telling you about "ordinary effort"? Well, that part or the rule was added when Weaver challenged the Umps' ruling on the field. This was 1970, those two words were not in the MLB rulebook, and the Orioles would go on to win 108 games, a league championship, and a World Series. The Orioles shortstop was Multi- Gold Glove winner, Mark Belanger. The centerfielder was Multi-Gold Glove winning Paul Blair. A pop flyball was looking like it would land somewhere in the close outfield area between Belanger and Blair. The Orioles also had Gold Glove winners at 3nd Base and Pitcher at that time. Since Spring Training, Weaver drilled it into his fielders that anytime runner were on base and they could get the lead runner out, the Oriole fielders were instructed to let the ball hit the ground and get the lead runner out. Sure enough, the week after the season opened, that pop fly was hit in that area between the shortstop and left centerfield. There were runner on 1st and 2nd, with one out. The Umps called "Infield Fly!" but the ball dropped in front of the Centerfielder, Blair. Blair picked up the ball, fired to Brooks Robinson at 3rd (Gold Glover) and Brooks fired it to Dave Johnson at 2nd (also a Gold Glover). The umps, of course, stuck to their Infield Fly call and declared the batter out and the runners remained at 1st and 2nd. So, only one out was recorded. Earl was livid! He ran out onto the field with MLB Rule Book in hand. Earl was NOT mic'd up. But, the news photographers on the field heard every word and it was reported in the Baltimore Sun the next morning. Earl's first words were , "You a**h***s F'd us! You effing F*** wads F'd us! You F'd us because we have Gold Gloves all over this effing field! You "effers" punished us "cuz we can field better than anybody else! You show me where in this "effing" rulebook where it says you can call that ball "catchable" only because Blair or Belanger, Gold gloves, both of'em, dammit! Could catch it?! Tell me now!" Well, the Umpire Crew Chief immediately tossed Earl out of the game. A 20-minute Weaver tirade followed. Eventually, Earl decided to leave the field. On the way to the dugout, he tore the rulebook to shreds, leaving the remains on the field. This game was in Baltimore, so the crowd was cheering Earl on the whole time and literally roared as he tore up the rulebook. Nobody found out til the next morning that it wasn't even Earl's rulebook. It belonged to Billy Hunter, one of the coaches. The following year, before the start of the nest season, the words "ordinary effort" were added to the Infield Fly Rule. You guys really need to check out Earl Weaver. I think several of us gave you the best video on him in the Discord page. It lost a vote to something else though.

[@umpdaddy1]

An infield fly is a live ball as the runners can still be doubled off if they leave their base before the ball is touched as in a hit an run.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks Bruce!

[@s.henrlllpoklookout5069]

The infield fly rule doesn't apply when there are 2 out because in that scenario the baserunners are going to try to take the next base no matter where the ball is hit

[@DNReacts]

Thank you for the added context, makes perfect sense. Appreciate the comment!

[@tymn]

Basic Explanation of the Infield Fly Rule SITUATION Less Than Two Outs AND Runners On 1st & 2nd Or 1st/2nd/3rd EVENT Batter hits a fly ball that an infielder can catch in fair territory with ordinary effort (i.e. - doesn't have to sprint or dive for) RESULT 1. Batter is out regardless of whether the ball is caught 2. Runners already on base may stay on their current base with no risk of being called out or they may attempt to advance at their own risk You guys did a great job grasping the general idea of the rule, especially considering the video you were watching. I think this is one of those things that seems more complicated than it actually is because of the way it's written and explained and because people hear other people say that it's complicated, but most of the people saying it's complicated never really give a specific reason why they think it's complicated. The baseball rulebook tends to be written in a pretty technical and specific way in order to prevent players and managers from finding loopholes to exploit which can make rules sound much more complicated than they actually are. I think this is one that sounds like it's complicated because when people attempt to explain it to someone else they often try to also explain the reasoning for it, which just adds more information to try to process. There are some weird rules, but this one is one that makes more sense when you actually see it play out rather than just listening to someone explain it as it's written. Love the channel - you guys are doing great with it! it's fun to watch first-time reactions to great plays and players and impressive to see how quickly you pick up on the rules and concepts.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you Tim, really appreciate your support and this comment. Really breaks it down nicely, appreciate it.

[@misterkite]

Case Play #9 if you think about it, is the exact reason the Infield Fly rule exists.. Imagine there are runners on 1st and 2nd, and say there's a high fly ball to the pitcher. Without the infield fly rule, it's in the pitcher's best interest to not catch it, because that would force the runners to advance to 3rd and 2nd, and it's pretty trivial to throw them out for an easy double play, whereas if he caught it, the runners wouldn't have to advance and only the batter would be out. The infield fly rule removes situations where missing a catch is better than making the catch.

[@gregcable3250]

It's and automatic out, whether caught or not so infielder does not let it drop or try a fake miss or drop it outright to get a double (or triple play)-- which is exactly what a smart infielder would try to do each time. When I was a kid playing second base, there were 2 kids on base--first and second so when a pop fly was hit to me (only 1 out in the inning) I acted like I was going to catch it, got under it (so the runners would stay on second and third, then I let it drop, threw it to third forcing out the runner on second, and the third baseman threw it back to me, forcing out the runner on first, end of the inning--not so fast, other team's coach complained that the umpire (who was a high schooler) had to call the infield fly rule. And so we did not (rightly) get the inning-ending double play.

[@lowfuel6089]

I feel like the video you're reacting to could have used some visual examples, and a better explanation of what problem the rule is meant to address. In a nutshell, its there to prevent infielders from deliberately letting an easy infield fly drop to the ground instead of catching it, so that they can throw out runners who (by rule) were waiting at their base -- runners have to "tag up" before advancing bases on a fly ball, essentially making them unable to leave until the ball is caught. Without this rule it's too easy to trick them. I wouldn't worry to much about what the umpires shout in these situations, that's something I've never noticed them doing at the major league level and I suspect it's more to make sure players at lower levels understand.

[@carltonsanders2118]

this is absolutely brilliant love it as usual

[@DNReacts]

Love that you enjoyed Carlton, thank you for the comment! Really appreciate it.

[@Kyango]

I was in a slow pitch softball game where the pitcher had absolutely no clue how this rule worked. When we accidentally dropped an infield fly and the batter was still out, he flipped out on the umpire. The umpire explained the rule to him. Our next at bat we hit an infield fly that was landing in the dead center of the infield. The pitcher sarcastically yelled "Well... no one touch it, just let it drop and the batter is out for some reason". The ball dropped, but there was so much backspin on the ball that it bounced backwards into foul territory. The umpire called "foul ball, batter is not out". The pitcher was flabbergasted, confused, and a large argument ensued while we just sat there and tried not to laugh.

[@andrewhotchkiss2286]

Highly recommend the video by Antonelli Baseball called Championship Game Ends With Losing Team Celebrating Thinking They Won; it’s a great explanation of another hard to understand baseball rule involving the catcher dropping the 3rd strike

[@davidpost428]

Great work, guys! I learned a lot from the video as well.

[@DNReacts]

That’s great, thank you for the comment, really appreciate it.

[@stevedietrich8936]

This was a tough test for people just getting exposed to the game. I think you have a functional understanding of the rule. Most of the questions that you missed had to do with technicalities that you will likely never encounter. Less than 2 outs, runners on at least 1st and 2nd base, fair ball that is catchable by an infielder and is not a bunt or a line drive.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks Steve, appreciate the comment!

[@stephenpgibbs]

I hit 1.000 on the quiz. The same logic can be used for #8 and #9 . The players are expected to react correctly regardless. The only caveat is that the umpires could still gather and screw up the call.

[@DNReacts]

Nice going Stephen 💪 Thanks for the context and comment too, appreciate it.

[@AJontheguitar]

I've explained this rule to friends and it's easiest using a drawn diamond with visual examples...and after a few beers lol

[@DNReacts]

That sounds like fun 😂

[@firefalcoln]

It’s much easier to explain the infield fly rule as a rule to prevent the defenders from being able to intentionally drop an easy catch and get an easy double or triple play because there are 2 or more runners who’d otherwise have to run if the ball is not caught. This is why there must be runners on 1st and 2nd or all three bases in order for the rule to go into effect. 2nd and 3rd doesn’t apply because those runners can always stay at 2nd and 3rd if the ball is dropped. Just a runner at first or first and third doesn’t apply because even if the defense drops the ball on purpose, the best they can usually get is one out like what they’d get if they just caught the ball.

[@Callisto_Arcas]

You guys did great! That rule makes my head hurt. Lol

[@DNReacts]

Thank you 😀 Hope you did okay on the quiz. It was a tough one. Appreciate the comment

[@AlexJW224]

I really wish they would show where this tule is in effect in an actual game to make it easier to visualize

[@nathankenny9278]

infield fly is a defense for the offence: prevents a double play (only applicable with less than 2 outs) if an infielder feigns a catch but instead intentionally lets the ball drop so he/she can turn a double play.

[@mattc2824]

The nearest equivalent to soccer I can think of is it's kind of like playing the advantage. It gives 1 automatic out instead of a potential 2 outs

[@macdavidson3814]

A video for umpires probably wasn't the best because there's already an assumption that they're familiar with the rules. When the infield fly rule is called, and the ball is fair, the batter is out. This is called before the fielder fields the ball. Without this rule, if a fly ball is allowed to drop in fair territory, the batter is forced to go to 1st base, forcing the runners at 1st and 2nd to advance which creates the possibility of a double play. If the runners advanced in anticipation of a fair ball, the defense could catch the ball and throw them out at 2nd and 1st for failing to "tag up." (Tagging up means the runners have to touch or continue to be touching the last base occupied when the ball was batted after a ball is caught, before they can advance.) If the runners tag up in anticipation of a caught ball, then the fielder can let it drop and throw them out on 3rd and 2nd for failing to advance when runners are forced to occupy their base. Baserunners have to know what base they have to go to so the umpire tells them that regardless of what the fielder does, the batter is out and they're not forced to go to the next base regardless if the ball is caught. The reason he emphasizes the ball is still live and the fielder can still catch it is because if for whatever reason the runners decide not to tag up, if the ball is dropped they don't have to tag up. It's an edge case for umpires to know in case both the baserunners and fielders lose their minds. In MLB the runners are always going to tag up because if the umpire thinks the fielder can catch it with ordinary effort, why wouldn't the baserunner?

[@rgractor]

For case play #8, the main reason they cannot award the batter runner first base is they cannot assume what would have occurred if the batter runner had attempted to advance to first base. They have to go with what actually happened on the field, and players are responsible for continuing to play if the umpire makes an error.

[@jeremydubin858]

The flip side is that if the umpire declares an infield fly, the infielder CAN allow the ball to drop, so it will still be "live"...then the base runners COULD be tempted to run, but they also have the option to stay on base, because the batter will automatically be out anyway.

[@FTLnovaKid]

A good video to add to the list would be Kerry Woods 20 strikeout game documentary by the Chicago cubs. You might want to make it a 2 part video as it is very long. But it is an incredible video. That game is arguably the greatest game ever pitched.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@ScottServais-poet]

​@DN Reacts I already put this video request on discord, specifically for nick lol.

[@ScottServais-poet]

​@@DNReacts if you do this video, it HAS to be the one from the Chicago Cubs KZbin channel, nowhere else does even remotely as good of a job telling the story.

[@arcxjo]

Not nearly as great as Dock Ellis's no-hitter 😛

[@Ryouski]

I've been watching baseball my whole life (26) and these rules still make my head spin at times.

[@DNReacts]

I can completely understand this lol. Thank you for the comment.

[@alansmith7626]

the video you watched would have been easier to understand if you saw players on the field doing what he was talking about...actual in-game examples or even guys just reinacting the plays, then I think would become apparent .You guys are doing Great! More Baseball!

[@birch5757]

I saw the title of this video and couldn't click fast enough. People who have played and watched baseball their whole lives barely understand this rule. Couldn't wait to see what you thought. 😂

[@dscotthoward7467]

Good one. The last few questions weren't very fair, they hadn't covered those situations.

[@johnfoster4113]

Great video, lads. I was just explaining this to my 8 year old the other day, and he still thinks I'm insane.

[@DNReacts]

Love this John! Thank you for you comment, we really appreciate it 🙏

[@tls5870]

If I were you guys I'd react to a compilation of infield fly examples because I think you would then get a firmer grasp, and then after that in the same video react to the most controversial infield fly call that I know of - the 2012 National League Wild Card game. Video 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKTOeXmGgNSqp6M Video 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jl6Zpp2YgdChi8U Some of the biggest disagreements are usually the judgement calls of the umpires in regards to 'ordinary effort' and how far out in the outfield should an infield fly really be called.

[@oaktree1628]

This really is a confusing rule, even to Americans who are casual watchers of baseball. Probably the most confusing rule of all of the rules in baseball. Even I didn’t really understand the intricacies of this rule, and I’ve been watching baseball over 40 years.

[@gregorywilliams1308]

Simply put this rule is in place to keep the infielder from intentionally dropping the ball and getting a double play

[@perrytilton5221]

Understand this: it's not just noobs that mess this up. It's people that have been around the game for many decades as well BECAUSE they don't read the rule book. Don't beat yourselves up on this. Even newer umpires miss this as well. You may hear a couple of other ways to say this instead of just "Infield Fly". In Oregon high school baseball they emphasize saying "Infield fly! Batter's Out," if it is definitely in fair territory to signify the runners are no longer forced off of their base; or "Infield fly if fair," if the ball is close enough to foul territory. If you just watch the umpires you will see them hand signal between each other common situations including infield fly rule is in effect, where each other are going on easy through balls, or who has tag-up priorities for fly balls.

[@poolplayergus]

Fun Fact: 1984 WS MVP and Hall of Fame shortstop Alan Trammel and 2nd Baseman Lou Whitaker of the Detroit Tigers were the longest running double play combo in MLB history. They played together so long they made the double play look routine.. nothing flashy, just sound fundamental baseball. Not so fun fact: There are no videos on KZbin featuring double plays.

[@formydyingeyes]

My brain melted on this one lol. You all understood it better than me. 😅

[@christophermckinney3924]

Yes once declared an infield fly it doesn’t have to be caught. This is to prevent an infielder from intentionally dropping the ball so he can throw out the other base runners.

[@poolplayergus]

You guys did great. I got 9 out of 11, but I've been watching baseball since 1983.

[@DNReacts]

Great going Brian and thank you, appreciate that.

[@mbdg6810]

I thought this guy woiuld show some plays from actual games as examples, It would've certainly made explanations easier to grasp.

[@Norm6L6GC]

Case Play #9 is the reason for the rule. It's so the defense can't purposely let the ball drop in order to get a double play.

[@savemepunk3191]

This video is extremely thorough... but I found it confusing (and I'm a coach!) It's really not as complicated as this video makes it seem... I think you guys have the general idea. If an offensive team has a man on first and a ball is hit in the air the runner isn't going to run (because it's an out) and they would have to go back or tag. So... if the ball is hit up but doesn't leave the infield (dirt) that runner again would not run... unless the ball is not caught... so a fielder could just let it drop and then the runner would be thrown out... so this rule prevents something like that from happening... specifically on FLY balls... obviously if it's a laser down the line it doesn't count. Just makes the game a little fair... you'd be seeing guys purposely letting balls drop and that's just unbelievably dumb.

[@DNReacts]

Yeah I get why they use the rule, Makes perfect sense!

[@Dionach]

Ironically it takes more than a reasonable effort to understand this rule. Makes sense if you think about what it is there to prevent (deliberately allowing the ball to drop).

[@chriscostelloe8942]

You guys did great answering the questions…the ones you missed had to do with the umpires blowing the call.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you Chris, really appreciate the comment!

[@maribel238]

#6) Me: "it's C! C!! It's in play! It's a live ball!! My friend in the next room: "I told you, I didn't drink the last of your Fireball!" Then you guys start crackin up. I am dyin!! Omg my stomach hurts. lmao!

[@DNReacts]

😂😂😂 This is brilliant haha, love this Maribel

[@johncagnettajr344]

The whole point is that the infielders can’t drop an easy catch intentionally to catch runners who would be forced to run. Remember: when fly ball is hit, base runners must either stand on the base until the ball is caught then they can attempt to advance ( tagging up) OR they can position themselves 1/2 way to the next base and retreat if the ball is caught or advance if not caught.

[@rebeccahanson6941]

Omg that was way more information then you actually needed. Infield fly is called so the infielder (who can easily catch it) doesn’t drop the ball on purpose to try to get a double play. It makes it unfair for the runners because the infielders are so close to the bases and can easily throw them out if they did that. It’s when there is less than 2 outs and runners on 1 and 2 or 1,2, and 3. When “infield fly” is called by the umpire the batter is automatically out no matter if the ball is caught or not.

[@IcanhearClemFandango]

This has got to be the most confusing rule in all of sports

[@ScottServais-poet]

God this was so funny. The rule makes perfect logical sense, but no intuitive sense. You guys got hilariously duped by the ridiculous situations the rule creates, but now you guys understand the rule better than about 98% of fans.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks Collin, really appreciate the comment. Did feel like he was constantly throwing trick questions out there lol

[@sharonm6262]

Just remember that the whole point of the rule is to *not* encourage mistakes - deliberate or not - or conversely, to not penalize someone who played well. If you start from that, all quiz answers make (a bit) more sense. (For example, if the defense is rewarded for dropping the ball, that's not likely to be the right answer. Or if the batter is rewarded for not running out a ball they hit, that's not likely to be the right answer either.). Plus, the rule is not in effect because the umpire says so - the rule is in effect when the conditions are met. The umpire is reacting, not deciding.

[@Connor2me]

Question 9 is super tricky tbh, I thought it was A as well

[@franklinterrell9392]

Actually, I got all of them correct, but I've been watching baseball for 40+ years. Overall I think you guys did okay for tackling one of the more complicated rules. I did get a kick out of you two explaining why it was an "immediate dead ball" or a "delayed dead ball".

[@DNReacts]

Haha thanks Franklin, couldn’t believe the lengths we discussed that when the whole time the ball was live. Well done on the score as well.

[@darrinlindsey]

The proper thing for the umpires to announce is "Infield Fly, Batters Out, runner go at their risk"

[@subterraneanretrogames556]

That guy should’ve shown a video example of an infielder purposely dropping a pop-up to get a double play.

[@QbanCelli]

I have played and watched baseball all my life, and I don't understand most of these fly balls rules either. All I know is that this rule was created to prevent the infielders from cheating.

[@darrinlindsey]

This whole rule system on infield fly, is very confusing. There was a ridiculous call last week, by an umpire.

[@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace]

Once the umpire calls an infield fly, the batter is out. Even if the fielder drops the ball. The ball is a "Live ball" because as soon as the fielder catches the ball, or drops it, the baserunners can try to advance. But once the umpire calls an infield fly, the batter is out unless the ball hits the ground in foul territory. And if the umpire calls an infield fly,, and the ball hits the fielder in fair territory and bounces off him into foul territory.. you're still out.. Happened to me in high school like 3 times

[@hipzipper1]

A very confusing rule to say the least. Thats one of the reasons the umpire staff rely on replay so much.

[@david-1775]

I bet this guy writes technical manuals. He should have explained how the rule protects infield runners. So....if you are a base runner on first and the batter hits the ball, you must move to second. The problem comes when the hit is a fly ball. If the runner thinks the ball is going to be caught then he will remain on the base. If he thinks the ball is going to drop then he runs to next base. If the ball is popped up in the infield then the defensive team could allow the ball to hit the ground on purpose. The runners assume that because it will be an easy catch they will stay on their base. If the infield drops the ball then they can throw to the bases the runners were going to run to and make easy outs. He should have illustrated this and better explained the dilemma the runners experience.

[@neilgoldsmith482]

The rule is there when a man is on first and it's one out an infield pop-up is an automatic out so that the fielder drops the ball on purpose to get a double play., the hitter is out whether it's caught or not

[@davidreidenberg9013]

Not when a man on first only because presumably the batter is fast enough to reach first.,

[@joedougherty4324]

It basically means you can’t just let the ball drop so you can catch the runners.

[@TofuMeOnce]

You are correct, the ball doesn't need to be caught at that point.

[@DNReacts]

Thanks Brandon!

[@arcxjo]

Right, as long as the ball lands in fair territory the batter's out. Now if it would land in fair territory the infielders can attempt to catch it for an out, but it's not an IF if it drops in foul. Once it lands in fair territory, though, it's still a live ball because at that point the runners can attempt to go if they think they can make it to the next base but that's pretty rare unless the fielders are totally out of position or run into each other in some sort of farce.

[@hifijohn]

Have fun with the balk rule.

[@DNReacts]

Added it to the list 😅

[@kevinmassey1164]

Baseball is incredibly difficult to explain when it gets to this kinda thing….as well as foul balls are strikes, except of course on the 3rd strike…unless of course it’s a foul tip that’s caught. Balks…how there have been pitchers with 4 strike outs in one inning

[@DNReacts]

Yeah it really is! We are having fun trying to learn though!

[@s.henrlllpoklookout5069]

Except on the third strike...unless the batter is bunting, in which case it's still strike 3

[@kevinmassey1164]

@@s.henrlllpoklookout5069 exactly…yet another one. Bunt attempts that go foul with 2 strikes are outs.

[@gregorywilliams1308]

I love baseball my whole life, 60 plus, and I still don't understand the balk. 😊

[@stevedietrich8936]

You missed the dead ball/live ball question because whether or not the ball is caught under the infield fly rule, the runners may advance at their own peril, but of course are not required to advance to the next base. I guarantee you that some baseball fans missed this question due to the semantics.

[@jamesoliver6625]

I would go a step further (and when umpiring at lower amateur levels have let them know this, that beyond "normal" effort being exceeded in order to catch an infield fly WILL REQUIRE, for me to call it, showing the back of your jersey to the plate. The predicate is that the batter/runner is FORCED to run while the runners on base are FORCED by him. The call of INFIELD FLY assumes the ball has already been caught no matter what happens. The reason you go ahead and catch the ball is that the ball remains a live ball and action can, and does occur on occasion, after the ball is caught or allowed to hit. The confusion is a result of the rule being written so as to absolve before hand the umpires being responsible for their short-comings.

[@ndfnq7811]

Base runners can not advance to the next base on any fly ball until it is caught. If they are not touching their starting base when the ball is caught, they must return to it before advancing. On an infield fly, the infielder could intentionally not make the catch allowing them to get easy triple or double play. That is why the rule exists.

[@videogamevalley7523]

…….you know this is actually the first time I have ever heard this rule explained……and its a thousand word essay jus to say…..its not nice to lie

[@JT-Rebel]

I like how they think we're going to kill them over the Immediate Dead Ball/Delayed Dead Ball debacle- Forgetting I'm always going to get them for the use of "Base 1/Base 2/Base 3" 🤣

[@DNReacts]

😂😂 so I’m right in saying there needs to be someone on base 1 and base 2 for it to be an in-field fly?

[@JT-Rebel]

@@DNReacts Yes sir...Don't worry, I'm fluent in British Bruv😂

[@coyotelong4349]

The IFR is essentially like the “offsides” of baseball in terms of confusingness 😂 Not to worry

[@29proto]

yes, excellent! the batter is out, regardless of the catch. that IS the infield fly rule. everything else is just explanations and situations, which you guys have understood the logic of. since the batter is out, the runners are no longer forced to run. but since the ball is LIVE, the runners CAN run! BUT! they have to follow regular tag up rules!!! the defence is incentivized to catch the ball because that forces runners to tag up. however, it often happens that dropping the ball intentionally tricks the runners into trying to advance and allowing the defence to TAG them out. safest thing is to stay on your base once YOU have judged an infield fly. the reason the ball is live and not dead is because the batter hit a fair ball, so he accomplished his part of the game, meaning the defence is still on the hook for completing the play. by calling the batter out, you take the pressure off the runners, but the defence can't just ignore the ball. it is a fair ball - the runners have their regular right to advance just like any other fair ball. they just aren't FORCED to. also, would love to explain dead ball/live ball. immediate dead ball - this is things like home runs, fouls balls, and balls out of play, interference by the offence (most of the time), as well as obstruction that occurs on a runner with a play being made on them. the play is immediately called dead and awards/penalties are enforced. delayed dead ball - this happens on things like balks, catcher's interference, and obstruction on a runner with no play occurring on them. you make the initial call but then allow the play to finish before you decide; which is more beneficial to the offended party: the outcome of the play, or the penalty? for example, if a pitcher balks, the penalty is all runners except the batter advance 1 base. but if after the balk he still throws the pitch, the batter is free to swing. if he hits it out of the park or just hits a single and everyone advances INCLUDING the batter, you ignore the balk. live ball - the ball is live. follow the rules. play ball.

[@DNReacts]

Thank you so much for the comment, really appreciate it! Love the live/dead ball explanation. Especially the delayed dead ball, gives a great insight into that, thanks 🙏

[@29proto]

@@DNReacts so glad to see people try to understand the nuances of the game. i think you guys are ready to appreciate some clever heads-up plays: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHm5i5h3gpaLoKM

[@garygemmell3488]

Don't feel bad. Loads of hardcore baseball fans do not understand this rule. The main sticking points for them are defining "ordinary effort", the fact that an outfielder can catch an infield fly, the assumption that the "infield" in infield fly means the ball must remain on the infield, the actual reason for the rule, and the way the rule is worded in the rule book. Ordinary effort - This will change depending on the skills of the players. Umpires are trained to not invoke the rule until a fielder settles under the ball to catch it. If an outfielder catches it the umpire must then decide if an infielder could have made the catch with ordinary effort. If an outfielder makes a diving catch on the ball, but an infielder could have made the catch with ordinary effort, the rule applies. The ball does not have to be in the infield. Even if was, infields are not a universal size, so the application of the rule could change from ballfield to ballfield. Just substitute "infielder" for "infield", because the rule has nothing to do with the infield. It concerns the infielders. The reason for the rule is to prevent a cheap double play. Substitute "before two are out and at a time when first and second base or all bases are occupied" with "less than 2 outs and there is a force play on at third base.". With first and second base or all bases occupied the one common thing is that a force play is possible at third base. An infield fly does not have to be caught. The batter-runner is automatically out when the rule is invoked. If the ball is caught, all other runners must tag up in accordance with normal fly ball rules. If the ball is not caught, no tag up is necessary. The ball remains live and in play at all times. Whether the ball is caught or not, if the runners advance they must be tagged out. Umpires verbalize the rule because the runners do not decide whether the rule is invoked or not. The umpires decide that, and the verbalization is to warn both the defense and the offense that there are no force plays at any base and that the runners must be tagged out.

[@raamjames1]

You guys forced me to shout "LIVE BALL!" at my TV for a minute and a half. Basic rule of thumb is simple. An infield fly assumes that the catch is already made. Everyone advances AT THEIR OWN RISK.

[@Justin-so1xs]

A "dead ball" and an out are not the same thing. On an infield fly the batter is out and the force plays are removed for the runners, but the ball is still "live". So after the ball is caught if the runners aren't on their original bases they could be thrown or tagged out, or runners could try to tag up and advance, or runners could advance on a fielding error, etc. Basically, an infield fly doesn't just end the play. A dead ball is a ball that's out of play, or a pitch that hits a batter, etc. Play is stopped.

[@auckalukaum]

You out-thought yourselves on a couple of them. The last one was cheap, because it wasn't covered at all before the quiz.

[@darrinlindsey]

A dead ball is most often because someone has called time out.