http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBiieSgpBSE
Espn clip with ump explination
Espn clip with ump explination
The rule applies only when there are fewer than two outs, and there is a force play at third base (i.e., when there are runners at first and second base, or the bases are loaded).[1] In these situations, if a fair fly ball is in play, and in the umpire's judgment it is catchable by an infielder with ordinary effort, the umpire shall call "infield fly" (or more often, "infield fly, batter's out"); the batter will be out[2] regardless of whether the ball is actually caught in flight. Umpires typically raise the right arm straight up, index finger pointing up, to signal the rule is in effect.
If "infield fly" is called and the fly ball is caught, it is treated exactly as an ordinary fly ball; the batter is out, there is no force, and the runners must tag up in order to advance. On the other hand, if "infield fly" is called and the ball lands fair without being caught, the batter is still out, and there is no force, but the runners are not required to tag up and may advance at their own peril if they choose. In either case, the ball is live, and the runners may advance at the risk of being doubled-off if the ball is caught.
It was the right call. If the ump says nothing, the ss catches the ball and Braves have men on 1st and 2nd with two out.
If "infield fly" is called and the fly ball is caught, it is treated exactly as an ordinary fly ball; the batter is out, there is no force, and the runners must tag up in order to advance. On the other hand, if "infield fly" is called and the ball lands fair without being caught, the batter is still out, and there is no force, but the runners are not required to tag up and may advance at their own peril if they choose. In either case, the ball is live, and the runners may advance at the risk of being doubled-off if the ball is caught.
It was the right call. If the ump says nothing, the ss catches the ball and Braves have men on 1st and 2nd with two out.
A little bit more>
Any fair fly ball that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort is covered by the rule, regardless of where the ball is caught. The ball need not be caught by an infielder, nor must it be caught in the infield. For example, if an infielder retreats to the outfield in an effort to catch a fly ball with ordinary effort, the infield fly rule is invoked, even if an outfielder ultimately caught the ball, and even if no infielder attempted to make a play on the ball. Similarly, a fly ball within the infield that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, but is caught by an outfielder, would also be covered by the rule.
Ordinary effort given all circumstances must exist for the infield fly rule to be invoked. Thus, weather, wind, lighting, positioning of the defense, and the abilities of the players involved in the play must be taken into account. An infield fly in a major league game, thus, might not be so in a junior high school game due to the ability of the players involved.
An infield fly is a judgment call and may be declared by any umpire on the field. It may not be appealed or overturned by any other umpire.
Any fair fly ball that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort is covered by the rule, regardless of where the ball is caught. The ball need not be caught by an infielder, nor must it be caught in the infield. For example, if an infielder retreats to the outfield in an effort to catch a fly ball with ordinary effort, the infield fly rule is invoked, even if an outfielder ultimately caught the ball, and even if no infielder attempted to make a play on the ball. Similarly, a fly ball within the infield that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, but is caught by an outfielder, would also be covered by the rule.
Ordinary effort given all circumstances must exist for the infield fly rule to be invoked. Thus, weather, wind, lighting, positioning of the defense, and the abilities of the players involved in the play must be taken into account. An infield fly in a major league game, thus, might not be so in a junior high school game due to the ability of the players involved.
An infield fly is a judgment call and may be declared by any umpire on the field. It may not be appealed or overturned by any other umpire.
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He would not have caught the ball.
The players had clear mis communication on the play.
The same result would have happened regardless if it was called or not.
I agree with this , and here's where i think the problem lies...
In a regular seaon game they use 4 umpires , so in this case it would be the 3b umpire to make the call , but in playoff games they use 6 umpires with an extra ump on the lf/rf foul lines.
This was the lf foul line ump that made the call and i dont think the infielder was used to an ump behind him , and thats what confused everybody.
I DO think it was the right call , but i think they need to mandate for the future that only 1b , 2b , and 3b umpires can call infield fly rule and not the 2 foul line umpires.
... in fact , if they ever go full scale instant replay they wouldnt even need the 2 extra umps.
