What is the Infield Fly Rule?

The Infield Fly Rule is an easy rule to understand if you can remember the purpose of the rule.

Rule 2.00

Rule 2.00 defines the Infield Fly as, “a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or a bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second, and third bases are occupied before two are out. The pitcher, catcher, and any outfielder stationed in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule.” It goes on to state that “the ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of being caught or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul ball.”

Here are the key elements in understanding the Infield Fly Rule:

• There must be less than 2 outs;
• There must be runners on first and second OR first, second, and third;
• The fly ball cannot be a bunt or a line drive;
• An infielder must be able to catch the ball with ordinary effort.

To learn more about the Infield Fly Rule, visit Little League University or purchase the Official Little League Rulebook App.