What is the Infield Fly Rule?

The infield fly rule is an automatic out declared by the umpire on a catchable pop-up in the infield with runners on first and second (or all three bases) and fewer than two outs — designed to prevent fielders from intentionally dropping the ball for an easy double or triple play.

The infield fly rule is an automatic out declared by the umpire before the ball lands when a fair fly ball can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, and the following conditions are all met:

1. There are fewer than two outs
2. First and second base are occupied (runners on first and second, or bases loaded)
3. The ball is a fair fly ball (not a bunt or line drive) that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort

When the umpire declares "Infield fly — batter's out!" the batter is automatically out regardless of whether the fielder catches the ball. Runners may advance at their own risk after the call.

Why the Infield Fly Rule Exists

Without this rule, an infielder could intentionally drop a routine pop-up to create a cheap double or triple play — a scenario that would give fielding teams an unfair advantage.

Here's the situation without the rule: runners on first and second, fewer than two outs. The batter hits a pop-up. Fielder allows it to drop. Both runners (who were hugging their bases anticipating a catch) are now forced runners on a ground ball. The defense throws to third, then second — or goes for an easy 5-4-3 double play — retiring two or three runners cheaply on what should have been a routine fly out.

The infield fly rule eliminates this incentive. By declaring the batter automatically out, the runners are not forced and can't be manipulated.

What Happens After an Infield Fly Call

• The batter is out the moment the call is made (before the ball lands)
• Runners may advance at their own risk — they are not obligated to and do not need to tag up unless they choose to advance
• If the ball is not caught (fielder drops it), runners are still free to advance but do so at their own risk (they can be thrown out)
• If the ball is caught, runners must tag up to advance as on any other fly ball

Common Misconceptions

"The infield fly rule only applies to infielders." Not technically. The rule applies to any fly ball that can be caught by a fielder standing in the infield with ordinary effort. An outfielder who charges in and could make the catch in the infield area may also trigger the call — the rule is about the position where the ball could be caught, not which fielder catches it.

"Runners have to stay on their bases." Runners can advance after an infield fly is called. They just have to do so knowing the batter is already out and the ball is still live.

"The rule applies on a bunt or line drive." No. The infield fly rule explicitly does not apply to bunts or line drives — only fly balls.

The "Infield Fly, Batter Is Out" Call in Postseason Play

The infield fly rule became nationally controversial during the 2012 NL Wild Card game between the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. With the Braves trailing and the bases loaded, an umpire called an infield fly on a ball that landed in shallow left field — far from the infield. The Braves bench and fans erupted, fans threw debris on the field, and the game was delayed. The controversial call remains one of the most debated in recent baseball history.

Quick Reference

Factor	Required for Infield Fly Rule
Outs	0 or 1 (fewer than 2)
Baserunners	1st and 2nd, or bases loaded
Ball type	Fair fly ball (not bunt, not line drive)
Catchability	Ordinary effort required — not a tough play
Result	Batter automatically out; runners may advance at risk