"Infield Fly" The Bigger Picture

We have all seen defensive players either intentionally or unintentionally dupe base runners into believing an “infield fly” catch will be made, then proceed to roll a cheap inning/game ending double or triple play.

Many an infielder during windy conditions has ran in circles while diving to miss a catch in the middle of the diamond while runners stand on their base and watch. By rule language this would not be considered “ordinary effort” by the defense or an “infield fly”.  Strong erratic winds generally set this up as well as the debacle that will surely follow.

Experienced umpires are taught prior to calling infield fly to (1. observe the defense) to establish “ordinary effort”. During windy conditions I would also strongly recommend (2. observe the base runners), their actions could confirm or deny what you are about to call or not call.

Rule book wording in this case while correct, is also (during windy conditions) incomplete. Incomplete wording in this case can provide an unfair advantage to the defense, which is not what baseball is about.  

This Baseball Rules in Black and White post will be included in our soon to be released 2017-2018 College Edition.