What is the infield fly rule?
A · Advanced · Running the bases · 1 of 9With runners on first and second, or the bases loaded, and fewer than two out, a fair fly ball that an infielder can catch with ordinary effort is an infield fly. The umpire calls it and the batter is out, caught or not. The runners no longer have to run.
How it works
- The runners: first and second occupied, or first, second and third.
- The outs: "before two are out".
- The ball: a fair fly, "not including a line drive or an attempted bunt".
- The test: it "can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort".
- Who counts as an infielder: the pitcher, the catcher and any outfielder who is in the infield on the play.
- The call: the umpire declares "Infield Fly", or "Infield Fly, If Fair" near the lines.
- The result: the batter is out.
- The ball is alive: runners may advance at their own risk, and must retouch if it is caught.
- If it goes foul: it is treated as any foul ball.
- A runner hit by it: not out if standing on the base, though the batter is still out.
The glossary has the infield fly, the fly ball, the infielders, the force out, the double play and the line drive.
Tricky cases
Runner on first only, one out, easy pop-up to second base. Infield fly?
No. The rule needs runners on first and second, or the bases loaded.
The umpire calls "Infield Fly" and the fielder drops the ball. Is the batter still out?
Yes. The batter is out on the call, and the runners may stay where they are.
A bunt pops up over the pitcher with the bases loaded. Infield fly?
No. An attempted bunt is excluded.
An infield fly is called near the first base line and the ball lands untouched and rolls foul before first base. What is it?
A foul ball.
Why the rule exists
Without it, an infielder could let an easy pop-up fall on purpose. The runners, who had to stay near their bases in case of a catch, would suddenly be forced to run, and the defence could turn two or three easy outs. Calling the batter out at once removes the force and the trick with it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First and second, or bases loaded, fewer than two out | Infield fly applies | WBSC Baseball Rule 6.45 |
| Two out | No infield fly | WBSC Baseball Rule 6.45 |
| Runner on first only | An infielder who drops a fly or line drive on purpose still gets the batter out | WBSC Baseball Rule 9.10.12 |
| Ball allowed to fall untouched, no infield fly | Batter is not out | WBSC Baseball Rule 9.10.12 approved ruling |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Baseball (2025-2026 edition), Rules 6.45, 6.57, 9.10.12 and 10.7.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Baseball 2025-2026 (PDF).