INFIELD FLY Meaning and
Definition
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Infield fly is a baseball term referring to a rule that aims to prevent unfair tactics by the defensive team in certain situations. According to the infield fly rule, when there are runners on first and second base, or when the bases are loaded with less than two outs, and a fair fly ball is hit to the infield or the vicinity, the umpire may declare the batter out through an infield fly signal. This rule helps to protect the offensive team by ensuring that the defensive side cannot use the infield fly for an easy double play by intentionally dropping the ball or letting it fall untouched to the ground to force out the runners.
The infield fly rule was instituted to promote fairness and integrity in the game. It allows the batter to have a fair opportunity to get on base without being unfairly victimized by the defensive team's manipulation of the rules. With the application of this rule, the batter is ruled out regardless of whether the fielder actually catches the ball or not since it is regarded as a routine play that can be made by any skilled infielder.
In essence, an infield fly is a type of fly ball hit within the infield that can be caught by any infielder with ordinary effort. This rule ensures that the defense does not gain an unfair advantage by taking advantage of the baserunners in specific situations, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the game and ensuring fair play.
Common Misspellings for INFIELD FLY
- unfield fly
- jnfield fly
- knfield fly
- onfield fly
- 9nfield fly
- 8nfield fly
- ibfield fly
- imfield fly
- ijfield fly
- ihfield fly
- indield fly
- incield fly
- invield fly
- ingield fly
- intield fly
- inrield fly
- infueld fly
- infjeld fly
- infkeld fly
- infoeld fly
Etymology of INFIELD FLY
The etymology of the phrase "infield fly" can be traced back to the combination of two separate terms: "infield" and "fly".
The term "infield" refers to the inner part of a baseball field, which includes the area encompassing the diamond-shaped infield, where the bases are located. It is the section of the field where most defensive plays occur.
The word "fly" in baseball terminology is used to describe a batted ball hit high up in the air. The term "fly" is derived from the notion of the ball "flying" through the air rather than being a ground ball.
When these two terms are combined, "infield fly" specifically refers to a type of fly ball hit in the infield area, generally within reach of the infielders.
