Welcome to Call of the Month!

Each month, we’ll break down an important umpiring tip, rule interpretation, or best practice to help you improve your game behind the plate or in the field. Whether it’s fine-tuning mechanics, mastering tricky calls, or sharpening game management skills, our goal is to make sure you’re always one step ahead. Stay sharp, stay confident, and make the right call!

March’s Call of the Month: The Infield Fly Rule – Know It, Call It

One of the most important—but sometimes confusing—rules in baseball is the Infield Fly Rule. When it happens, everyone looks to the umpire for a quick and confident call. Let’s break it down so you can get it right every time.

What is the Infield Fly Rule?

The Infield Fly Rule is designed to prevent cheap double or triple plays on routine pop-ups. It applies when:
✅ There are fewer than two outs
✅ There are runners on first and second, or bases loaded
✅ The batter hits a fair fly ball (not a bunt or line drive) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort

If these conditions are met, the batter is automatically out, regardless of whether the ball is caught or dropped. Runners may advance at their own risk but are not forced to run.

How to Call It:

Loud and Clear: As soon as you recognize an infield fly situation, point up and announce:
"Infield Fly! Batter is out!"
If the ball drifts near the foul line, say:
"Infield Fly if Fair!"

Common Misconceptions:

❌ The ball must be caught. (Nope! The batter is out whether it’s caught or dropped.)
❌ Only the shortstop or second baseman can catch it. (Any infielder, or even an outfielder playing shallow, can make the play.)
❌ The runners are forced to run. (Nope! They can stay put or advance at their own risk.)

Pro Tip for Umpires:

Pause before making the call. Ensure all conditions are met and that the ball can be caught with ordinary effort. A pop-up deep into the outfield or one that requires a tough play is not an infield fly.

Knowing this rule inside and out will give you confidence on the field—and keep you from getting caught off guard in a big moment!