Tuesday’s game on October 20th brought us a little controversy over a soft pop fly between home plate and third base. Some felt—and made their opinions known LOUDLY—that an infield fly should have been called. Here’s why it wasn’t.
The infield fly rule requires the umpire to determine whether a fair fly ball could be caught by an infielder with REASONABLE EFFORT. In this case, neither umpire believed the ball could be caught with reasonable effort. Although a player did get a glove on the ball, both umpires agreed that it did not meet that standard.
There was also another factor to consider: the batter had two strikes. Had the ball landed untouched and rolled foul, it would have been a foul ball, and the batter would have been out on strikes. Instead, the ball landed fair, and all runners were safe.
After discussing the play, both umpires agreed that the decision not to call an infield fly was the correct one.
A reminder to everyone: ONLY the team manager may discuss a call with an umpire. Players are expected to respect the umpires’ decisions, even when they disagree. You may not always agree with a call, but the umpire’s call is the one that stands.
We’re out here to enjoy the game, compete, and have fun—not argue over every close play. Let’s keep things respectful and save that energy for the next at-bat!
REMINDER: A trifold copy of WHSS’s most important rules is available at the check-in desk. Please take a moment to review it!
Respect the call, respect the game!!!
See y’all Friday!