The Infield Fly Rule: A Pro Player Explains It

[@DanBlewett]

Want to keep learning? I made a detailed baseball rules video for beginners here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnbGnH2qgcyDf9U

[@ge2623]

Could you explain the purpose of drop third strike? I never understood that one. Why is it a rule?

[@EMTDawg]

During the infield fly rule, is there still a tag up situation, or can say a runner take off for 3rd the moment the call is made if like it's a deeper ball for the 1st baseman?

[@Jivvi]

@@EMTDawg even if the runner already took off, the infield fly call means he doesn't have to go back. There's no longer a force at third, but there isn't a force back at second for the tag-up either.

[@kevinkiss3340]

What the call? Runners on 1st and 2nd. A pop up which the 1st baseman and R2 get tangled up. The ball drops in fair territory.

[@jackstovall4739]

Congratulations! I've THOUGHT I knew the infield fly rule pretty well but......................after 72 years of life I FINALLY understand it! Thank You! (You've taught an old dog something new)

[@DanBlewett]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching.

[@Godric_71]

I love your comment. It easily teaches young "know it alls" that they in fact don't know everything.

[@edwallace2828]

60 here and the same thing. Really appreciate it.

[@FactsMatter]

Dan, 25+ year umpire here: a few comments: First, thanks for explaining this rule properly. I think that will go a long way to increasing fan understanding. To be clear, if a fair batted ball hits a runner before a fielder has had the opportunity to make a play on it, that runner is out. Even if they are standing on their base. EXCEPT if they are standing on their base and are hit by an infield fly. Tricky. Excellent explanation about why Infield Fly does NOT apply when there's only a runner on 1st. From an umpire's perspective: 1) we are taught to call this (or not) at the apex of the hit.. at the top. Said differently, when the ball is at its peak, we look to see whether an infielder is in a position to make this catch with ordinary effort. 2) THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER is that, even though the offense automatically has a batter out, THIS RULE ACTUALLY PROTECTS THE OFFENSE! When the offense complains about an infield fly being called, it's usually because they don't understand why the rule exists. (unless, of course, it was an uncatchable ball with ordinary effort.) Great work, Dan. It's refreshing to hear a player get this rule absolutely right and spread correct information.

[@DanBlewett]

Thanks! Appreciate your contribution.

[@ICLight412]

By what you’re saying if I’m on defense, see the infield fly ball going to hit the base runner on base, I’d attempt to make the catch, miss, let it hit him and get a double play. This rarely would happen but you just said “tricky”. It’s the rule right, just got act it out good 😂

[@nofurtherwest3474]

I think the rule should not apply to minors Little League. The reason is that the purpose of the rule to prevent intentional dropping of the ball. But in minors they are not strategic enough to intentionally drop it. At least not in our minor league. These are 8 and 9 yr olds. So just let it play out. It just causes more confusion than is worth it.

[@chriscross7494]

@@ICLight412 He said that the infield fly was an exception to that rule.

[@wordragon]

The umpire’s discretion is what people and younger players have an issue with in this rule. It’s not consistent. And, baseball, or softball, should be as consistent as possible for players of a young age. This rule when actually called does nothing but confuse younger players. And, btw, in my 10 years coaching . I have never seen an umpire explain the rule to children. Most good umps never enforce this rule on kids understanding the fallacy of this rule at younger ages.

[@Alejandro89kg]

KZbin algorithm sent me here after the White Sox lost to the Orioles 5/23/24 on an infield fly interference double play

[@darryberrymemes5739]

Now it happened in the Yankees angles game too

[@zenos.5315]

They loose to everyone.

[@Mrtfarrugia]

The algorithm herd you saying something. 😁

[@facerip2222]

@@darryberrymemes5739 Whenever the angles are playing, the umpires suddenly act real obtuse. I don't think it is a-cute either.

[@ChipAltmanxD]

This is the best explanation I've ever heard, because you stressed the reason for the rule 👍

[@Kevlar-78]

Been watching baseball for 35 years. This was an awesome overview and I learned a few things ! Great content 🍻

[@DanBlewett]

awesome. I'm working on more videos to help people watch baseball on a deeper level - subscribe and stick around.

[@TBlanktim]

As a Grandpa, this video is great. I've explained the rule to my grandson twice and I'm not sure if he gets it. This video will help him understand. Thanks for doing this.

[@worldnotworld]

The complexity of rules in baseball is a feature, not a bug, of the game, the result of so many years of gradual evolution, both experience with real games and getting to know the heart and the "logic" of the game itself. This rule is probably the best example of that: at first, it seems like a "patch up" rule for a flawed structure, but once you see it it actually shows something about the essence of the game. Great explication by Coach Dan!

[@jcshaves]

I was not aware of it not applying with only a runner on first and you gave a great explanation as to why. Thanks.

[@beng6805]

Second video I’m watching and I’m now confirmed: you are a great baseball teacher! I appreciate your energy and clarity. This is really easy to understand. Thank you so much!

[@DanBlewett]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@martinmackey7191]

Ump here. Came to watch for reinforcement. While I didn't learn anything new, I thought you made an excellent video. You explained every aspect of the rule perfectly. And... you did the cherry on top of the sundae, which is to explain why the rule doesn't work with a runner only on first, because that's a totally fair thing for people to wonder. Completely explained the rule, umpire's implementation, and the rationale for the rule. Nice job. I've also heard it said that umps can call it after the fact. Like, if the situation arises, the ump fails to call it, then the throw to 3rd and 2nd gets us a double, the umpire can realize after the fact, call infield fly, and nullify the double play. I'm not positive on that, however.

[@DanBlewett]

thanks!

[@67L48]

Coach absolutely mentioned this, but it's important to remember that bunts are not protected. I'm not sure I agree with him that bunts are neglected because of the speed with which they occur. Rather, when bunts are attempted, the batter loses certain protections -- he assumes certain risks. For example, most people are very aware that a foul bunt attempt with 2 strikes is a strikeout -- the bunt attempt sacrifices the protection of "foul ball can't be strike 3." Same with IFF. Bunt attempts sacrifice IFF protection. So, a batter could actually hit a fairly high pop up off a bunt attempt and IFF will not apply. An aware infield could manufacture a double (or triple) play out of such an instance.

[@67L48]

@@SirJacko999 No. You can foul off pitches for all of eternity.

[@johnleonard5857]

Actually the bunt is not protected by the infield fly because of the history of baseball. The bunt has always been considered a “dirty play”, so if the B/R attempts to bunt then they are on their own.

[@cwj9202]

Great video as usual. An infield flyball rule I witnessed which resulted in a triple play was this: There was a high popup in foul territory near 3rd base where the umpire called the infield fly rule and also added "IF FAIR". The 3rd baseman misplayed the popup, allowing the ball to land behind him in foul territory, but the ball kicked into the infield between 3rd and home plate. The defensive team, being sharper than the team at bat, saw the pitcher field the ball and throw it to the SS covering 3rd base for a tag out on the advancing runner from 2nd base, then the SS threw the ball to the 2nd baseman covering 2nd base who applied a tag to the advancing runner from 1st base. Triple play complete.

[@DanBlewett]

so the team at bat just decided to send their runners even though the batter was out? Terrible blunder on their part.

[@alfalfa5705]

Do runners have to tag up ?

[@cwj9202]

@@DanBlewett -- The situation looked worse, because it occurred during a men's league game where the runners ignored the GET BACK commands of the 1st and 3rd base coaches, both of whom had played as high as AA and high A affiliate ball. Even after the inning was over, the two amateur runners were telling the former pros and umpires they didn't know the rules! Oh well.

[@67L48]

@@alfalfa5705 All other rules are the same. IFF does not negate normal baserunning rules. So, any time a ball is caught, then players must tag to run; any time a ball is not caught, there is no need to tag up. In this case, it appears that the ball was not caught. It's important to remember that IFF merely declares the batter out immediately and ALL other rules of baseball are still in play and it's a live ball.

[@keith6706]

@@67L48 I was umpiring a game (just two umpires, me behind the plate and one in the field), runners on first and second, batter hits a fly close to the line so I called infield fly if fair. Third base loses the ball in the sun and drops it...but did so when the ball was foul. The ball scoots away, runners on first and second try to advance, I shoo them back. The coach comes out, ticked off, and starts yelling that runners can advance on an infield fly. I agreed, but the ball ended up being just a foul ball, and runners can't advance on a foul ball. Runners go back, batter goes back to the plate with a 2nd strike. He ends up grounding into a double play to end the at-bat. Coach is fuming because he thought I'd screwed them over. A few innings later, now they've got bases loaded and there's another close one near the line with one out. This time the third basemen catches it, again in foul territory. And then steps on third base as the runner, who'd taken a small lead, strolls back to the base. I call the runner out so, with the infield fly call on the batter, double play that ends the inning.. The coach explodes out of the dugout, screaming at me. "It was a foul ball!" I agreed with him again, but pointed out it was caught, which means runners have to tag up or else risk being put out like any fly ball, including ones in foul territory. He starts ranting that wasn't true if it was an infield fly because the batter was automatically out. It was frankly hilarious. There's nothing quite as funny as a coach trying to rules lawyer you without knowing the actual rule.

[@victorcontreras3368]

Great presentation! Am going to watch this again soon to remember more facts as I've always loved baseball and never knew all the details of this rule!

[@JohnSmith-rf1tx]

Great explanation. I learned a few things. One thing that might have improved the video a bit for people who really don't know the game of baseball/softball that well would have been to preface the info about the infield fly rule with a quick overview of base running rules when the ball is hit in the air, i.e. tagging up or forced running depending on whether the ball is caught or in play.

[@jamespurs]

Appretiate your effort for explaining these rules, especially for someone that plays out of the States!

[@juddvance7721]

Excellent explanation. I summed it up as "Less than 2 outs, force out opportunity at 3rd base, and ordinary effort by defender."

[@Mattmazz77]

I really don't watch baseball and you made it super easy to understand.

[@victorcontreras3368]

Good explanation! I had to watch this video again because i didn't remember the rule of there being a runner on 1st. Now i got it clear. I'm 78 and have always loved Baseball. Thanks 👍

[@DanBlewett]

Glad it helped!

[@AlcibiadesHidalgo]

Never heard that explained so well. Thanks.

[@billw0129]

Recently got back into baseball, and your videos are well explained and helps to brush up on the game.

[@rjc_2001]

Excellent thorough description with examples. Thank you!

[@johncassani6780]

Great explanation. This is one of the aspects of baseball that makes it such a great game (may they stop changing the rules!). Many years ago, I was at a Little League game of my brother’s, and, there was a pop-up on the infield, with runners on 1st and 2nd. The ump, who was a teenager, didn’t call infield fly, the ball dropped, and, the runner going to 3rd was easily forced out. Ok. But, the opposing team’s coach comes out and argues with the child ump that it was an infield fly, and the batter is out. The kid calls him out, and leaves the force out at 3rd stand as well. I almost got ejected from the game as a fan for protesting the injustice. Needless to say, this is something for umpires to master from the outset of their careers.

[@GinEric84]

Teenagers volunteering to umpire children's games don't have an "umpiring career"

[@SCHMALLZZZ]

It's up to the local little leagues to train their own umpires.

[@kenb1376]

If an umpire doesn’t call it, then there’s no infield fly. You can complain to him that it should have been called, but it can’t be enacted after the play is over. In little league games, it may be debatable whether the ball con be easily caught by a player who can’t judge a pop up.

[@Godric_71]

You seem like a very good coach Dan. I played little league back in the 80's and i literally can't remember them teaching me anything outside of 'goto right field and don't come back until i tell you to'. You actually explain things and don't seem like you'd be condescending to those who don't immediately understand. 😎🏍💨👍

[@milesteg8183]

I don’t play but adore the game. Your videos have been entertaining and informative regardless.

[@DanBlewett]

thank you! This rule is definitely confusing for some, so I wanted to help clear it up

[@artvandelay1099]

Great explanation. I never knew there's this much detail in the infield fly rule. I wonder if he has a video going into this level of detail on what exactly a balk..... man read my mind, I know what I'm watching next!

[@DanBlewett]

appreciate the love from VanDelay Industries

[@A.KINLAW]

So glad I watched this yesterday! This situation just happened in the FSU @ UNC game and I understand what's happening better than the announcers do!

[@DanBlewett]

Awesome - I’m making more videos like this one, glad it helped.

[@dannh6706]

This has been explained to me 20 times, and this is the 1st time it's made sense. Thanks!

[@DanBlewett]

Great to hear!

[@alanroberts3153]

I coached Little League for 20 years and I've seen this rule turn into a three ring circus at that level. Many parents, coaches and even umpires at that level don't understand this rule. It would be nice if everybody (including parents) were forced to watch videos such as this before being allowed to be involved in Little League.

[@danielscheerer4521]

"...unless your batter is a terrible person..." That made me laugh! Thanks for the thorough explanation Coach Dan, well done!

[@dwaynegreen1786]

Neifi Perez of the Giants scored from third on an infield fly rule with the bases loaded against the Rockies. The Washington Nationals infielder's miscommunication caused the ball to not be caught and they thought it was a dead play. It was hilarious situation hearing manager Frank Robinson yelling to the players that the play was live and the players looking at each other in complete confusion. But the best was seeing Perez casually jogging home and scoring during all of this confusion🤣🤣🤣 Great informative video, and professionally done.

[@DanBlewett]

Yep- Mental mistakes like that happen even at the highest levels. Never completely outgrow them. Baseball is too hard. Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@tlsmack800]

Thank you for explaining the runner on first only portion. I suspected this was the reason.

[@allenhughes12]

Perfect explanation. As in previous comments here, I didn't understand the rule. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@dandcdiecast2664]

I always wondered about this rule, thanks for the intel. Now if I could figure out when its a balk and when its not a balk.

[@robertshonk518]

Good timing - we're closing in on the 10th anniversary of the Cardinals-Braves NL wild card game, when Atlantans trashed the field after they got shafted by an infield fly rule call on a ball that landed way beyond the infield.

[@backporchradio]

My daughter intentionally dropped a ball in CF against last year’s state runner up and got an easy double play. This is what the rule is intended to prevent because it’s a heck of a lot easier to pull off on the infield. Needless to say, their coach was pissed. 😂

[@67L48]

I'd have a hard time believing that an 8-6-3 double play could be made before the batter made it to 1B with full effort. My guess is that the batter conceded the out and didn't, in fact, run hard to 1B. This, again, is why it's only an IFF rule and not an OFF rule. The rules protect the runners from defensive shenanigans that artificially manufacture a double play. The rules are NEVER meant to protect the batter from less than 100% effort. The other coach should indeed have been pissed ... at his player for not running hard out of the box.

[@backporchradio]

@@67L48 it was an 8-5-4

[@67L48]

@@backporchradio I considered that after my reply. It's still an awful lot of throwing to gun down what should have been a hard charge from at least 1/4 the way from 1B to 2B. I suspect that poor baserunning was at least partially to blame. But, I wasn't there (obviously).

[@Dgenz24]

Great explanation. Never understood this rule.

[@tommymac9344]

Great video, great simple explanation. Thank you.

[@FactsMatter]

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER is that, even though the offense automatically has a batter called out, THIS RULE ACTUALLY IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE BATTING TEAM! Think about this before complaining to an umpire that they called your batter out on an infield fly that was dropped. That umpire PROTECTED YOUR RUNNERS.

[@MikeDCWeld]

It was poorly designed if it was intended to protect the batting team. A better execution of it would be to simply have the Infield Fly call remove the need for runners to tag up. No automatic outs and you still prevent the fielders from getting a cheap double or triple play.

[@FactsMatter]

@@MikeDCWeld Your solution is poorly designed. If there's no automatic out, and the ball is dropped, where are you putting the batter if the runners don't have to move? And if they aren't in jeopardy of being put out on an infield fly, what's to prevent the offense from trying to hit popups and sacrificing the batter because the runners on 1st and 2nd, or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd can just run freely while the ball is in the air? So basically, under your rules, the offense would benefit from a free sacrifice fly ON THE INFIELD for a lousy hit. The truth is that the infield fly rule allows the offense to get away with only one out on a lousy short pop fly. That's a fair and appropriate result for that hit without completely ruining the offensive inning.

[@MikeDCWeld]

@@FactsMatter where did I say the runners wouldn't have to move? The only baserunning rule that would be affected is the tag-up rule. My version would avoid inherently punishing the batter for a poor hit without putting the runners in a pickle. This is the most fair way for both sides. The defense still has to make the catch or risk the batter making it on base, but the runners are still protected from potential defensive shenanigans. Also, what is stopping the offense from using the current Infield Fly Rule for a free sacrifice fly? Altering the rule as I've suggested would force the defense to play the fly ball honestly while allowing them the option of letting it drop to try for the double or triple play. If they do so, the offense may not even eat one out on the play.

[@Jivvi]

@@FactsMatter Give them all one base from where they started, including the batter. The rule is meant to protect the runners from a cheap double or triple play, so there's no reason it needs to come into effect until the defense actually attempts a double play. If it's a straight up error, and they're not quick enough to recover and throw anyone out, why not give the batter first base? Calling him out just penalises the offense for the defense's mistake.

[@stevehamman4465]

@@MikeDCWeld bottom of the ninth, tie score , runner on third, no outs. High fly to the short stop, runner on third scores before the ball is caught,,,,, game over!! No need to tag up!

[@foreverfree3953]

Excellent video.!! During a playoff elimination game.. With bases loaded, I hit a flare over first baseman's head, 25 feet into the outfield grass close to the foul line, because the infield's defense was setup as "IN close" to get a force out at home. (if they received a ground ball) Not one player had the ability to make the catch.. The umpire not only called me automatically out... he called "dead ball" disallowing the baserunners to advance on what was a single, potentially a double.. ( the ball skipped into foul territory 20 yards away from all defenders.. good umpires are hard to find..

[@DanBlewett]

oof

[@reelreflections-us]

The Braves were eliminated from the playoffs a few years back due to a similar circumstance. The infield fly rule should be changed and only take effect if the fielder lets the ball fall.

[@stevewells6735]

Nice break down - thank you

[@krisandnancyboucher1277]

Dan, really good explanation of the IFR, thank you. I’m sorry I saw it after you had it up for a year. I have a situation that I’ve never seen addressed, however, & it happened to our 70+ team (in the field), last season. I was the catcher. Ok: bases loaded, 1 out. Pop fly toward 2B & base umpire signals & calls the IFR. The runner on third does not tag up, he (is quite fast, for 70+) breaks to home as soon as IFR is called & scores. Our fielder lets the ball drop (a good play, IMO). The runner from 3B touches HP, & I call to our second baseman to throw the ball to 3B. He does……no call. I’m puzzled. HP ump reminds me the batter-runner was out as soon as IFR was called, & runners may advance “at their own risk.” Yes. So my point is, I think a lot of people think that when IFR is called the runners have to tag up before trying to advance, but they don’t, and fast runners may indeed be smart to advance (depending where the ball is, runner’s speed, etc.) Thoughts? Enough for a revised video? Thank you. Kris B. in FL

[@DanBlewett]

you said the ball dropped...so no one would have to tag up because the ball wasn't caught. Throwing to third wouldnt do anything since...again...the ball wasn't caught. Regular rules still apply. The batter being automatically out doesnt have anything to do with whether it's caught or not. If the fielder caught it, he could have doubled off the runner on third who left early. But he didnt.

[@GreenBayPayton]

I would see this in Mario Super Sluggers and always wondered what it meant. Thanks for the explanation 👍

[@susantownsend8397]

Thanks. I have tried to explain this to my husband but apparently wasn’t making it clear. Now I can just hand him this video 😊

[@CoondawgPD]

What’s the point of the infield fly rule!?!? To make Braves fans come completely unwound by the mere mention of it!

[@Turamwdd]

Those umpires should never set foot in Georgia again. That was still one of the most moronic IFR calls ever.

[@CoondawgPD]

@@Turamwdd I was at a football game in Jasper and we went nuts there! The whole stadium.

[@cloudstrife6911]

Damn what happened?

[@tm2357]

I didn't know I didn't know this! So cool. Thanks

[@andresgmoralesrodriguez4308]

This video helped more than any other did thanks

[@BornToPun7541]

I've watched many Atlanta Braves games and I never made the connection between the IFR being called and the number of outs/locations of baserunners. I just assumed it had to do with the way that the batter hit the ball and nothing else.

[@blamehypocrisy.4053]

Great job explaining it. Makes much more sense now. Thanks

[@DanBlewett]

You're welcome!

[@schillage8]

I recommend a follow up video about what happens in different scenarios... like, what happens if the ball is caught and a runner leaves early... or the fielder catches the ball but the runner doesn't get back to the base to tag..... or the ball drops leading to no force outs

[@DanBlewett]

nah. if you know the rules of baseball, you can infer what will happen in all those situations.

[@flamingfrancis]

Love your "Field of Dreams" setting. Well explained. From Australia. p.s. I took a look at map of where you were at West Potomac Park ? and think I can see a cricket pitch in the park. That is our big summer sport here.. Have coached kids at baseball and cricket for over 40 years. Been to Washington once and love it.

[@tjgordon2920]

My 7 year old asked me about this today, I’ll be showing him this video!

[@virgilgreen3108]

I am a longtime avid baseball fan, but have been mostly ignorant of this rule. Thank you.

[@je25ff]

Finally, a good explanation.

[@johnnymfbravo7163]

All high school and college baseball teams should watch this video.

[@Indyjeeplover]

Great explanation. Thx

[@timefly4221]

Hi Dan, your content is great. How about a video for youth pitchers with tips on how to pitch on a low quality mound. In youth travel leagues and even some high school games, we are using mounds with big pits in front of the rubber and craters all the way down. It shouldn’t be that way but it’s the reality; how can a pitcher adjust to minimize the impact on his delivery?

[@DanBlewett]

I thought of that, but in reality, there isn't much to be done except be mentally tough about it. You gotta pitch no matter what the mound looks like and there aren't any hacks, really, that can solve the problem. You just find a way to throw the ball over the plate; being resilient, mentally, and figuring out how to get it done is all it takes. Mounds were consistently horrible back in my youth, but you just live with it and learn that it doesnt really affect you.

[@billbell2311]

As a long time umpire (50+ years), the Infield Fly (IFF) rule ranks up there with interference, obstruction, and balks when it comes to confusing players, coaches, and (even) umpires. There's nothing magical about the Infield Fly rule (IFF) if you break it down to it's fundamental parts. When I used to teach rule clinics, I explained it this way. 1. An IFF situation exists when there is a potential force play at third base. (That can only happen when there are runners on first and second or first, second, and third.) 2. There must be a possibility for a double play. (That can only happen with less than two outs.) 3. It must be a fair fly ball that an infielder should be able to catch with ordinary effort. (So it can't be a bunt or line drive.) 4. The only part of the rules that change under the IFF is that the batter is out thus removing the force situation; therefore, the runners are no longer forced to advance. If the ball is caught inflight, runners must retouch their time of pitch base as they must on any caught fly ball. If the ball is not caught inflight, they are not required to retouch their time of pitch base before they can attempt to advance. That's just like any other fly ball. I've had coaches argue that runners must retouch their time of pitch base when an IFF is not caught - not so. 5. If the umpire declares an IFF and the batted ball touches a baserunner while he is in contact with the bag, it's not interference and only the batter is out; however, the ball becomes dead and no runners can advance. If the runner is off the base and touched by the IFF, the ball becomes dead, the runner is out for interference and the batter is out on the declared IFF. No other runners can advance. As for calling an IFF, umpires are taught to wait until the ball approaches its apex. That allows us the opportunity to track the ball and judge whether or not it can be caught with ordinary effort by an infielder. We look to see if the fielder has basically "settled" under the ball or if he/she is still trying to get into position. It doesn't matter who actually catches the ball. Once we make the decision, we point up in the air while calling either "Infield fly!" or "Infield fly - the batter's out!" On flyballs hit down the foul lines and judged to be a potential IFF, umpires call "Infield fly if fair!" (Remember #3 - it must be a fair fly ball.) I had a situation where that was the case and the ball fell untouched between the pitcher, catcher, and first baseman about a foot into foul territory. The spin on the ball caused it to roll into fair territory where it was first touched by the catcher. By definition, that was a fair ball and the Infield Fly Rule was enforced. The offensive coach wasn't pleased with that call.

[@mattt.4395]

Awesome name, Bill Bell.

[@Jivvi]

That's a great example of one of the main problems with the IFF rule: it's supposed to protect the offense. If the defense drops the ball deliberately to get a cheap two or three outs instead of one, the IFF rule limits it to one, and the other runners are safe. **But** if it's an actual error, or if they try for a double play and mess it up, the IFF rule gives them a free out, that they wouldn't have otherwise got. That's the exact opposite of what the rule is meant to do. The ump should be able to reverse the IFF call after the play if the call advantaged the defense, and make a judgement call, just say everyone is safe where they are, or all runners get one base, from where they started, or whatever the case may be. Penalising the offense for an error by the defense seems pretty wrong. Even better, they should be able to just call it after the play, like they can with obstruction, or with a deliberately dropped ball with a runner on first.

[@mattt.4395]

@@Jivvi word. like in soccer with the "advantage" rule where a foul is tentatively called but play is not stopped (no whistle), and if the offense retains possession and the ref determines that the fouling team would get an advantage from play being stopped and a free kick being awarded, they just let them play on.

[@Jivvi]

@@mattt.4395 Lots of sports have a similar rule. Rugby, rugby league, hockey, lacrosse, broomball, handball, water polo, ice hockey (but I think that works a bit differently). Even tennis has a sort of advantage rule, where if a line judge makes a bad call, but someone was about to win the point, you can just award the point instead replaying it. Baseball has it too, with obstruction calls. Like if a runner gets obstructed going from second to third, you don't just call the play dead and award them third base; you let the play continue. If they make it to third, you call them safe; if they don't, you award them third base; and if there's an error or something, and they can make it home, you let them score. There's no legitimate reason infield flys couldn't be ruled the same way: let the play continue, and if it advantages the offense, you let it stand; but if it advantages the defense, you award bases as appropriate.

[@timdodson7091]

Good stuff. Many youth players don’t understand you don’t have to run if the popup is dropped. Batter is automatically out and no force play

[@DanBlewett]

Yeah, they freak out for sure and go anyway...double play city when that happens

[@auzmo]

Thats why learning this rule is important for players. Its an important situation because you have multiple runners on and less than 2 outs. You dont want your runners running into more outs in that situation. And as a defense the opposite is true, if you drop it you might can steal some free outs if the opponent doesnt know what they are doing.

[@stevendriver1399]

Not sure if any comments mentioned this aspect: if the runners advance (hit and run or mistakenly think there are 2 outs) before the ball comes down and the fielder fails to catch the ball, the runners cannot be doubled up back at their base. The fielder still must make the catch to make that double play. Of course runners can be tagged out, but no force plays exist without a catch. The short explanation of when the infield fly rule is in effect is “when a force play exists at 3rd base with less than 2 outs.” That’s it.

[@kengibes6805]

That's a pretty good explanation of an often misunderstood rule. Here's a suggestion for another often misunderstood rule: The uncaught third strike rule. Perhaps explain the history of the batter-runner being able to advance on an uncaught third strike, why the term "dropped third strike" is a misnomer, and why the rule doesn't apply with a runner on 1st base and less than two outs (Hint: It's the same reason for the infield fly rule.)

[@DanBlewett]

I HATE the dropped third strike. It's so unnecessary. Does not improve baseball in any way. Just makes youth baseball, especially, a mess.

[@harveywachtel1091]

At one point you said that the hypothetical situation the rule is intended to prevent is the shortstop [for example] letting the ball drop then stepping on second and throwing to first. That wouldn't work because you would only get the runner from first out -- the batter would have arrived at first while the ball was still in the air. The averted unfair double play would have to involve some combination of home plate, third base, and second base. I seem to recall a similar rule about an infielder intentionally dropping a line drive; the differences are that it has to be dropped, not just allowed to fall, it has to be intentional, and the batter isn't called out until the ball is actually dropped. Do I recall this correctly?

[@DanBlewett]

yes - i misspoke in the moment - its mostly for a 3rd to 2nd double play

[@edcew8236]

Good explanation. Having videos of actual games where this was called would have been helpful.

[@mae2759]

Fun fact, the ball can even be played on by an outfielder and it still be an infield fly if an infielder is camped under it and in position to make a play on it. This happened in an MLB playoff game several years ago where it was popped up sky high in shallow left field and F6 camped underneath it and F7 booted it. Still IFF rule.

[@MrBlakeD82]

Braves fan here... yes, and it led to some pretty funny memes later, but it pissed off the entire city when it happened. I can easily say that I had never seen a ball hit that deep be called on the infield fly rule.

[@robertdouth8979]

@@MrBlakeD82 It was really windy that day, which a lot of people rightly say should have factored into whether it can be caught by an Infielder with reasonable effort. The problem with that play is the SS calls it really quickly and camps under it, and then drifts forever out into the OF after calling it like 5 feet off the IF. Then he drops it because I think a fan yelled they had it, not Holliday behind him. I like to think that's karma on the fan being unsportsmanlike.

[@Turamwdd]

@@robertdouth8979 The fact of the matter is that the infielder did not have a position on the ball. It shouldn't have been called.

[@mikesellers8007]

Thanks for that, really a good explanation.

[@BBall0027]

Thanks for explaining this. I've wonder how infield flies get called on balls hit to the outfield ever since that one from the 2012 Wild Card game.

[@greggcuppels5593]

It would be interesting to hear your opinion on the infield fly called during the 2012 Wild card between the Braves and the Cardinals….

[@larrycopeland2413]

Very good explanation of the rule. I know the IFR has been around for a very long time - but I wonder why it is the defense is essentially awarded a free out (because they don't have to catch the ball). After all, the IFR is needed (in some form) to prevent the defense from getting a cheap double/triple play, as Coach Blewett said... so then, why does the defense get the automatic out in order to keep them from doing something that would cheapen the game? I would suggest an alternate version of the IFR, where it's still umpire discretion to invoke the rule on the play... but once called, the batter is *not* automatically out... instead, the rule is that the defense cannot put out more than one runner (including batter) who is forced to a base before he reaches the base to which he is forced, or goes back and touches his original base. That way, the defense has to actually catch the IF to get the batter out right away, and they can't get a cheap double/triple play. For example - runners on 1st & 2nd, none out. Batter hits IF, and umpire calls it. If the ball is not caught in flight by the defense, then they can throw to either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd base to force out one of the runners. Once they do this, the other two runners may advance to the next base, or retreat to his original base (not sure why) without liability to be put out. Once each surviving runner touches his next/original base, then the defense can tag them out if they then go off that base.

[@FUGP72]

Why should the offense be rewarded with a best case scenario after hitting a weak pop up?

[@WoWisdeadtome]

Had a play in a local city league that really burned me up a couple of years ago. Runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out. I was playing 1B and a little flare just a few feet into fair territory and some distance behind the bag. The runners went presumably thinking I wouldn't make the catch but with full sprint and a stretch I made the catch, overran into foul ground and doubled up the runner on first with a toss to a very heads up cover by my P beating the runner back to the bag. Umpire called it back for infield fly...this video just confirms I was right to be upset.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

And that's why this rule shouldn't exist. Just let the runners run and if they make it to the next base, they're safe..

[@draugur345]

If an infield fly is called, and the ball is caught, do runners still have to tag up, or can a runner start advancing as soon as the call is made without worrying about whether the ball is caught or dropped?

[@matthewkellar9382]

Runners still need to tag up on a caught/touched ball even when the batter is called out on a ball mid air.

[@MrEsMysteriesMagicks]

@@matthewkellar9382 Thank you for answering that question. I have always wondered about that because the rule is badly worded in one spot: runners may advance "if desired" or "at their discretion." This certainly implies that they don't have to tag up, but that never made any sense to me and I always played it that you did have to tag up. I have played the game, watched the game, coached the game, acted as a volunteer ump, and even been an official scorer at the high school level on a couple of occasions over the course of 65 years and I never had that question fully clarified until today. Again, merci beaucoup!

[@billbell2311]

@@MrEsMysteriesMagicks When an infield fly is called, the only thing that changes in the rules is that the batter is out and the force is removed. Thus the runners are no longer forced to advance and the chance for the "cheap" double play is removed. Everything else remains the same so all runners must retouch their time of pitch base if the ball is caught inflight just like on any other fly ball that is caught. Also, runners do not have to wait until the ball is actually caught to retouch and attempt to advance. As long as the runners retouch their time of pitch base when the fly ball is initially touched by a defensive player, they may attempt to advance at that point.

[@bobbelf9762]

Coach nice explanation. But I still have a question someone here can attempt to answer. It is always stated a runner may advance at their own risk so....WHEN can a runner advance? My argument would be once the batter is called out - which of course is immediately upon recognition it is an infield pop up. The umpires will make the call batter out SO.....what if the batter should sky a pop up, all the runners SHOULD take off immediately and the defense would not be able to have a chance to make a play on any runner since the ball is still in the air. Always wanted to try this and listen to any umpire tell me it is not within the rule. Since it matters not if the ball is caught or not, any tagging up is negated. Thoughts?

[@highnrising]

If you did that--say, you were a runner on 2nd base--the fielder would catch the ball and step on 2nd base (or throw to the 2nd baseman, and he'd step on 2nd base) and you'd be called out for leaving the base before the ball was caught. The infield fly rule does not negate the rule for tagging up.

[@bobbelf9762]

@@highnrising I am not saying you are wrong because that is how everyone plays it, BUT nowhere in the rule does it state tagging up NOR does the defense have to catch the ball. I would challenge that declaration of batter is out negates tagging up.

[@keith6706]

@@bobbelf9762 And you would be incorrect. The rule effects the batter, not the runners (except removing the possibility of a force out). The runners still have to follow the same rules for running bases, one of which is that they have to tag up after a caught ball.

[@bobbelf9762]

@@keith6706 Keith appreciate your response. My own brother sent me the MLB rule and it is stated in the last 2 lines about runners. Been coaching a long time and have never read those 2 lines in the rule.

[@harveywachtel1091]

Do you have one on the dropped third strike rule? That can be even more fun, especially in those wonderful scenarios where a run scores, a non-force out is made, and then the batter is tagged for the apparent third out

[@DanBlewett]

no. that rule is actual trash and it should be abolished

[@anthonyv3732]

Great explanation! With less than 2 out and a man on first, the defence might want to “drop” the ball even to get just 1 out if they want to exchange the runners (e.g. let the slower running batter reach base).

[@FUGP72]

If they do that, they have to totally let it drop. This is true whether it is a pop up or line drive. If the fielder touches it with his gloves and then drops it in purpose, the umpires will call the batter out and the play dead. This is true if they only want to get the faster runner off the base, or if they "drop" a soft line drive to get a double play. But if they just let it bounce before touching it, it is fine. However, you really don't want to let a ball drop just to exchange a fast runner for a slow on. Too much risk of the ball having spin, or hitting the edge of the grass or some other deformity on the field and getting away

[@anthonyv3732]

@@FUGP72 agreed - depending on the game situation (score, inning, type of ball hit in the infield, etc.) it might be worth it for the D to take that risk…the D just needs to be aware of this option should it present itself.

[@Jivvi]

@@FUGP72 I've seen them rule both runners safe in that exact situation. The batter is safe at first because the ball wasn't caught, and the runner is safe at second because it was a deliberate dropped ball to make him think the force was off when it wasn't.

[@Frothenbath1]

It certainly makes it easier to understand the rule when the reason why it exists is elaborated on.

[@tajsdiscord5952]

very helpful thank you

[@dodgeball693]

Baseball be complicated! Very well explained though 👍

[@makcatchem9614]

I appreciate this video even though it is 2 years old. I already know about the rule. But years ago when I was playing little league the in fly rule actually got called in one of our game. The thing about that was we as kids did not understand anything that was going on when it got called in our coaches never ever taught us about it. So hopefully if that ever happens to the younger generation that they can refer to a video such as this to understand

[@smokert5555]

Do the base runners have to tag up with the infield fly rule?

[@keith6706]

Yes, if the ball is caught, the same as any other caught ball. From a runner's perspective, all the infield fly call does is prevent a force-out. It doesn't remove the requirement to tag-up, nor prevent them from being tagged out. Way back when I was umpiring there were several times the fielding team was paying attention and got a runner who had come slightly off the base but was strolling back, or took off to the next base because they thought they didn't have to tag up. On the other hand, I've also seen fielding teams get slack and let the ball drop to the ground, and the lead runner recognized it and took the chance it was going to happen and took off and made it successfully.

[@jimzee6214]

Nicely done

[@viewer3147]

Well explained.

[@kevinrichardson1807]

One thing you didn't mention is that if an infielder goes out into the outfield and can catch the ball with ordinary effort but is called off by an outfielder who ends up catching the ball it can still be called an infield fly.

[@DanBlewett]

That's true and correct - thanks for adding that!

[@kevinrichardson1807]

@@DanBlewett I've umpired for 30 years and have had some coaches argue about that one.

[@scotthix2926]

Was hoping to get analysis of the bad in field fly rule on the Braves post-season about 6 years ago now.

[@GreyhoundREI]

Thanks dan

[@JKiler1]

I've long said the infield fly rule is the most fair rule in baseball. It's complex because there are many scenarios that can happen in this situation, and the rule addresses them all. Teaching this rule is important because it teaches, I think, the essence of baseball. Great explanation.

[@JKiler1]

@Matthew Olsen then all the batter has to do is sky one inside the infield as a sacrifice and the runners advance easily.

[@danadnauseam]

I've heard it described as "a double play should not be trivially easy."

[@DanBlewett]

agree with that sentiment

[@Autumntheturkishvancat]

Well explained and great video! I still feel that the umpires have too much discretion in their interpretation on when they can call the rule though. The rule should have a limit on how far the ball can be into the outfield and still be called out on the infield fly rule. There was a Braves playoff game around seven years ago where the batter was called out on an infield fly when the ball was halfway in between the infield and the outfield wall. The ball was dropped and could have made the difference in who won the series. Too much of a "judgment call" there if you ask me.

[@DanBlewett]

Having played my whole life, I think they get it right 99% of the time. I can’t remember a time in my own career when I felt it was improperly called. The Braves game though was 100% the wrong call. They screwed it up.

[@Autumntheturkishvancat]

@@DanBlewett I agree about them usually getting it right for sure. What was so bad about that one time though was that MLB just defended the call and didn't own up to it. That call was at such a critical time as it was the first one and done wildcard game.

[@asdasf8817]

When an infield fly is called, do you have to wait until the ball drops/is caught to run or can you just run right when it is called?

[@DanBlewett]

this was addressed in the video and multiple places in the comments

[@Punkologist]

Interesting, I didn't know that the rule wasn't in effect if there was only a runner on 1st. Seemed strange given they are still in a forced situation , great explanation as to why it isn't.

[@67L48]

The easiest way to remember this is: a force out at 3B must be in effect with fewer than 2 outs. That's the best way I used to educate my parents about when an IFF is in play. I found that more than one sentence was too complex for most people to remember on what isn't that common a play.

[@gscurd75]

A high pop up with only a runner on 1st is basically fielders choice in who they want out. Since the ball is up in the air, the batter has ample time to get to 1st before a double play. So the fielder can catch the ball and get the batter out, or if the person on 1st has decent speed and the batter does not, they may opt to take the risk in letting it drop and getting the force out at 2nd.

[@DanBlewett]

100%.

[@John-gj1jr]

@@gscurd75 I read recently another reason there must be a force at 3rd and, unsurprising for me, cannot remember it. I've spent most of the afternoon trying to find it or remember where I saw it. It, as I remember, made just as much sense as the above mentioned. If someone else knows, please post it. Otherwise, I'll keep looking. Any ideas, Coach Blewett?

[@keith6706]

@@John-gj1jr It's based on the rule there has to be runners on first and second or bases loaded before the IFR. In either case, there's a potential force at third, so if there isn't a force at third, there's no way for an IFR call.

[@jerryharris6342]

I was at a college game this weekend and the ump miscalled this. There were runners on second and third at the time of the flyball. I thought that through and didn't think that the call made sense.

[@bulrydrdan]

There is a big decision where 2012 NL wild card with the Braves and Cardinals where the shortstop ran halfway in the outfield and dropped the ball and its dropped between him and the outfielder. The Umpire didn't call it until after it dropped, I'm interested to read your opinion.

[@DanBlewett]

It was a bad call. it was way too far in the outfield and no one was camped.

[@bulrydrdan]

@@DanBlewett Thank you.

[@steven9163]

Super helpful.

[@showmefish]

It is not a pop up to the infield. It is a fly ball, not counting line drives, that CAN BE FIELDED by an infielder with normal effort. So it can be called on a short fly to the outfield where an umpire believes an infielder could catch it with normal effort. See Cardinals v Braves wildcard game and the play with Pete Kozma 90 feet into left field.

[@DanBlewett]

That was a bad call. Fly balls hit on the infield or just in the outfield by a few feet ARE CALLED POP UPS. Thanks for using caps.

[@showmefish]

@@DanBlewett absolutely not a bad call according to the wording of the rule. Kozma was camped out under the ball using normal effort and he was an infielder. Granted, if the call had not been infield fly that would have been correct too if that was the judgment of the umpire. An example of when two different calls in baseball could be correct and a example of the perfect imperfection of baseball that make it such a beautiful sport. You welcome for the caps. Some people misuse them to mimic yelling, instead of their long time use as EMPHASIS as I just did again. I use them properly and it is great to have that recognized. Pop ups are actually defined as a ball hit high into the air but not deep, so 90 feet would be considered a pop up, but that is just another type of fly ball. So again, the call was correct and would have been correct also if the judgment of the umpire calling it was different.

[@predictorbibulous3327]

This happened to me in junior high, I was so confused.

[@LewisRenovation]

What if the ball drops inside bases and rolls foul? Is the batter still out?

[@DanBlewett]

if the final ruling on the ball is that it's foul, the batter is not out. Only fair balls.

[@67L48]

@@DanBlewett Good, communicative umps will say the entire ruling, "Infield Fly in effect if fair."

[@davidwurbel6610]

At the 4:10 mark, you mention about the ball hitting a runner. This is a little off the IFR topic. But to me, since a player other than the pitcher was able to attempt to make a play on the ball prior to the ball hitting the runner, the runner is not necessarily out. Also a runner hit by a fair batted ball in which a player other than the pitcher was not able to make an attempt to play the ball while touching a base is still out. Touching a base does not protect a runner from this rule. Please let me know if my interpretation is incorrect. Thank you.

[@FactsMatter]

Hi David, I am an umpire with 25+ years experience. You are correct that a batter, even one standing on their base, who is hit by a fair batted ball before a fielder other than the pitcher has had the opportunity to make a play on it is OUT. There is ONE exception, and that is if that runner standing on their base is hit by a ball called an infield fly. In that case, the runner is NOT OUT.

[@mikem1956]

What year was this rule established ? Thanks 😅

[@DanBlewett]

ask google

[@rondonavisbardclay6071]

Thx for explanation. Just watched video of MLB guy not running to first on pop up while runner on first. I didn’t get why Vlad Jr was exhibiting high IQ when it let ball drop and get double play. In that moment I realized I didn’t understand infield fly rule.

[@DanBlewett]

yeah. it can be risky dropping pop-ups though - they come down with a lot of spin. its safest if they'll fall in the infield grass - they dont shoot away like they sometimes will on hard dirt

[@paulprovenzano7001]

Hi Dan and other fun commenters..=-) I am refreshing myself for an upcoming summer tourney and looked up Balks. Dan, as you've heard many times, THANKS! Not only does a good ump need to know why, but SHOULD be able to back up his/her judgement/decision for credibility and integrity. The balk video led me to this one. One thing I haven't read right away is, the following; When doing a Frosh game where the defense was 'challenged', a routine pop was hit in the infield where, normally, the IFF would apply. The SS while 'camped' out underneath the pop-up, clearly still only had a 50/50 chance of catching the ball. For THIS reason, I did not call the IFF and the coach was furious. I was not going to benefit his poor defense with an IFF in this case. I believe I did the right thing. Anyone chime in if they have a different thought please. Thanks to all.

[@DanBlewett]

No - what you did was wrong. You can't judge it based on the quality of the fielder. "Ordinary effort" means ordinary for a hypothetical typical player, not the exact human in front of you.

[@paulprovenzano7001]

@@DanBlewett I appreciate the reply and will proceed under that recommendation. Thanks for the 'foundation' of the explanation.

[@steveburke1519]

The rule is there to prevent the defense from scoring an easy double play. I know this won't happen but I think the rule should be if the fielder doesn't catch it, then batter and all runners advance one base, and the batter is credited with a hit. There's no confusion that way. Pop-ups are supposed to be easy hence the rule, so catch it.

[@FUGP72]

There is no confusion with the current rule. Why do you want to reward a batter for weakly popping up?

[@steveburke1519]

@@FUGP72 I can make the same argument in reverse-why reward the defense for an easily caught ball? The point I am making is catch the damn ball, don't try to trick the offense; if you do there's a penalty.

[@FUGP72]

@@steveburke1519 You aren't. This is the EXPECTED outcome. Giving a free base gives the offense no worse than the expected outcome but the potential for a very good outcome. The rule as it is now, offers BOTH teams no worse than the expected outcome. NEITHER side gets any advantage or potential advantage. It is a trade off in that the offense is trading a free base in the EXTERMELY unlikely (literally less than once every season in MLB...for the WHOLE LEAGUE) that an easy pop up is dropped, while the defense is trading an easy double play for just one out the other 99.99% of the time. You want the the defense to make all the sacrifices. Not be able to get ANY better than the outcome of a live ball, but also not get any advantage from them calling an infield fly. You ARE at least smart enough to realize that even if the infielder drops the ball, it doesn't mean they WOULD have dropped the ball if the infield fly rule wasn't called, right? Someone yelling as you as you are focused on the ball.

[@FUGP72]

@@steveburke1519 You want to allow the defense to get cheap outs 9,999 times out of 10,000 just so in the literally AT MOST 1 in 10,000 chance that they drop a pop up that is routine enough to be called an infield fly, the offense isn't cheated? Just plain stupid. It is so simply that LITERALLY a 5 year old understands it. the infield fly rule DOESN'T HELP THE DEFENSE! It helps the offense. And you using scenarios that would happen literally less than once a season in the majors means nothing. I guarantee you that out of the thousands of times the rule has been invoked, not ONCE as the batting team felt cheated if the ball was dropped. The only time that might happen is if the team felt it WASN'T a routine pop up and that he rule shouldn't have been called. But on regular pop ups that are obvious calls for the umpire, nobody gets mad if the ball is dropped and the batter is out anyway. Your rule makes the offense give up nothing? They can do no worse than the "expected" outcome of the play, which is a popout. Whereas the defense can do no BETTER than the expected value, but can do much worse. All on a play where the pitcher CLEARLY got the better of the batter. Do you really not see why that is stupid? You either call the infield fly as it is, or you think they should get rid of it. Your proposal is the worst of both. It would be like a defendant in a criminal case having to choose between pleading guilty and accepting the plea bargain, or going to trial..but even if he is found not guilt, the BEST scenario is they get the sentence of the plea bargain...but could get worse.

[@steveburke1519]

@@FUGP72 Why arguing this with me? The rule is what it is and it's not going to change; I'm just observing that the defense should catch these supposedly easy pop-ups. There have been many times, especially in lower levels of play, where the defense didn't catch it and the offense still got penalized by the automatic out. The infield fly rule is one of the most misunderstood rules in baseball, especially to casual fans. I'm done arguing this, because it's pointless. I feel the rule should favor the offense, you don't. That is all.

[@seanmarietta9059]

Do the runners still have to tag up on an infield fly if they are going to advance. Even if the infielder catches the ball?