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Infield fly rule
hypernova:
Am I the only one confused by this rule?
No, I'm not confused about the definition of it. I'm confused as to why the batter is automatically out. The rule was instituted as a safeguard for the at-bat team. It was to prevent the fielding team from purposely allowing the ball to drop to then turn it into an easy double play. OK. That's a great rule. Except the part where the batter is out. Why does baseball reward the fielding team, regardless of the outcome? If they allowed the ball to drop on purpose in order to fool the team at-bat, then it's an ethical issue, and they should be punished by allowing the batter to reach base as well as other baserunners advancing one base. If they committed an error, then they should be punished by allowing the batter to reach base, and the baserunners advancing one base. Why is it once this rule is invoked, the fielding team is free to screw up?
They say the purpose of the rule is to protect the team at-bat. It prevents easy double plays. But that's about it. Errors are rare, but they are a part of baseball. Fielding teams shouldn't be exempt from their mistakes just because of the trajectory of a fly ball.
Le Chuck:
He's out because even if dropped it is likely that at least one runner would be out anyway (not to mention the rare triple) and this prevents the force.
The ump has to enact the rule based on what he sees and there has to be at least a player on first and second. The fielding team isn't rewarded as the rule does prevent double and triple plays and I'm willing to wager that 99 times out of 100 and infield pop would always end in at least one runner out. If the ball is dropped the runners can still advance at their own peril.
Seems legit to me.
saint:
Poor Braves.
Le Chuck:
--- Quote from: saint on October 06, 2012, 08:03:10 pm ---Poor Braves.
--- End quote ---
:stupid :banghead:
ChadTower:
I was a player, coach, or ump for 25 years.
This was the right call. It was way too late but that was 100% an infield fly. The whole idea is that if any fielder can catch a ball with reasonable effort in fair territory, and a force exists at third base, and the play occurs in a spot where a dropped ball could make an easy double play possible, then the batter is automatically out.
Two fielders had a reasonable chance to catch that ball. There was a force at third base. The play occured in shallow left field between second and third giving the fielder an easy chance to pick up the ball and turn a (assuming shortstop picks it up) 6-4-3 or 6-5-4 double play. This clearly fits all requirements to be called an infield flyball out.
The only thing the umpire did wrong here was make the call too late. In his defense that situation makes it a super balls to the wall judgement call and, even though he was right, it took major major cojones to raise his arm. The real problem is that most of the fans don't understand the rule and went nuts in a totally inappropriate manner.
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