If an infield fly is intentionally dropped, what happens to the runners?

If an infield fly is intentionally dropped, what happens to the runners?

• A. The ball is dead and all runners return
• B. The batter is safe on base and runners advance
• C. The batter is out and runners advance at their own risk
• D. The batter is out and all runners are also out

Answer: (C)

When an infield fly is intentionally dropped, the correct application of the rule is that the batter is considered out. The essence of the infield fly rule is to protect runners from being forced out by an easy catch. By intentionally dropping the ball, the fielding team may prevent the runners from advancing safely. However, because the batter is ruled out as part of the infield fly rule, the runners have the option to advance at their own risk. This means they can choose to try to advance to the next base but are subject to being put out if the defense successfully executes a play on them. The ruling maintains the initial intent of the infield fly rule, which is to prevent unfair plays and protect base runners from being caught in a forced play situation. Since the batter is out, it doesn't matter what the fielders do with the ball after the drop; the runners' ability to advance is influenced by their own decisions and the actions of the defense.

When an infield fly is intentionally dropped, the correct application of the rule is that the batter is considered out. The essence of the infield fly rule is to protect runners from being forced out by an easy catch. By intentionally dropping the ball, the fielding team may prevent the runners from advancing safely. However, because the batter is ruled out as part of the infield fly rule, the runners have the option to advance at their own risk. This means they can choose to try to advance to the next base but are subject to being put out if the defense successfully executes a play on them.

The ruling maintains the initial intent of the infield fly rule, which is to prevent unfair plays and protect base runners from being caught in a forced play situation. Since the batter is out, it doesn't matter what the fielders do with the ball after the drop; the runners' ability to advance is influenced by their own decisions and the actions of the defense.