Infield Fly Rule Explained
The infield fly rule is one of the most misunderstood rules in baseball. This guide explains what it is, when it applies, and why it exists — in plain language that youth players and coaches can understand.
What Is the Infield Fly Rule?
The infield fly rule automatically calls the batter out when a fair fly ball can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, there are runners on first and second (or bases loaded), and there are fewer than two outs.
When the umpire calls "Infield fly — batter is out!", the batter is out regardless of whether the fielder actually catches the ball. The runners do not have to advance.
When Does It Apply?
All three of these conditions must be true at the same time:
Runners on first and second, or bases loaded
A runner on first only does not trigger the rule. There must be a force at third base.
Fewer than two outs
With two outs, there is no advantage to dropping the ball — the defense would just record the third out normally.
Fair fly ball catchable by an infielder with ordinary effort
Line drives and bunts do not count. The ball must be a pop-up or fly ball, and it must be in fair territory (or headed fair). The umpire judges "ordinary effort" — it does not matter where the fielder is standing.
Why Does the Rule Exist?
Without the infield fly rule, an infielder could intentionally drop a pop-up to get an easy double play. Here is how:
Imagine runners on first and second with one out. The batter hits a routine pop-up to the shortstop. The runners hold near their bases because they expect the catch.
If the shortstop intentionally lets the ball drop, the runners are now forced to advance. The shortstop picks up the ball, steps on third (force out), and throws to second (force out) — an easy double play created by not catching the ball.
The infield fly rule prevents this by automatically calling the batter out, which removes the force on the runners. The defense cannot benefit from deliberately dropping the ball.
What Happens When It Is Called?
The batter is out immediately
It does not matter if the ball is caught or dropped — the batter is out as soon as the umpire makes the call.
Runners can advance at their own risk
Just like any fly ball, runners can tag up and advance after a catch. If the ball is dropped, they can run — but they are not forced to, because the batter is already out and the force is removed.
If the ball goes foul and is not caught, the call is canceled
The umpire may initially call "Infield fly, if fair." If the ball lands foul and is not caught, the infield fly call is void and the at-bat continues.
Common Misconceptions
"Only infielders can trigger it"
Wrong. The rule applies to any fair fly ball that an infielder could catch with ordinary effort — even if an outfielder moves in to make the play. It is about the type of ball hit, not who catches it.
"Runners must stay on their base"
Wrong. Runners can advance at their own risk, the same as on any fly ball. They just are not forced to advance because the batter is already out.
"It only applies to pop-ups near the infield"
Not exactly. The rule can apply to a ball in shallow outfield if an infielder could catch it with ordinary effort. The umpire makes the judgment call.
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