How do you catch an infield fly?

Here are the key elements in understanding the Infield Fly Rule:

1. There must be less than 2 outs;
2. There must be runners on first and second OR first, second, and third;
3. The fly ball cannot be a bunt or a line drive;
4. An infielder must be able to catch the ball with ordinary effort.

Can pitchers catch fly balls?

Pitchers do not catch pop flies. It’s one of the rules. Pitchers are now reduced to figureheads, pointing vainly at the ball and commanding the troops. But sometimes a pitcher will conscientiously object to societal mores.

What is the difference between a pop fly and a fly ball?

A pop fly, also known as a pop up, is a type of fly ball. The difference is a pop fly goes much higher in the air, and travels a shorter distance from home plate. Generally, a fly ball is hit to the outfield, while a pop fly is hit to the infield. Because of this, it is common to see infielders catch pop flys.

What is the difference between a fly ball and a pop fly?

(A fly ball is a fly to the outfield, while a pop-up is hit to the infield.) Pop-up rate can be used as a metric to evaluate both hitters and pitchers. Pitchers with high pop-up rates are generally successful because fly balls to the infield almost always result in outs.

What are the rules for catching a fly ball in baseball?

The batter must hit a fly ball or popup (not a line drive), over fair territory, and in the vicinity of the infield. It is not a requirement that the ball not reach the outfield grass. Rather, the umpire must use his judgment as to whether an infielder — or the pitcher or catcher — could make the catch using “ordinary effort.”

When does the infield fly rule apply in baseball?

When does the infield fly rule apply? 1 Must be less than 2 outs 2 Must be runners on first and second or the bases must be loaded 3 An infielder must be able to catch the ball with ordinary effort, or, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball could have been as 4 The fly ball cannot be a bunt or a line drive

Can an infielder catch the ball with ordinary effort?

An infielder must be able to catch the ball with ordinary effort, or, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder

Is a line drive an infield fly in baseball?

However, there is another rule in place to ensure that a fielder may not intentionally drop any ball hit in the air to gain a defensive advantage by not catching it; this includes line drives. Therefore, a line drive will not be called an infield fly in any situation. What happens if you drop an infield fly?