infield fly rule

The infield fly rule is a special rule in baseball designed to prevent a fielder from intentionally dropping a fair fly ball. This rule is invoked when there are fewer than two outs and runners are on first and second base, or on first, second, and third base. If an infielder can easily catch a fly ball hit into fair territory, the umpire can declare it an "infield fly." When this happens, the batter is automatically out, regardless of whether the fielder actually catches the ball. This rule protects the runners on base, who would otherwise be forced to advance and risk being put out if the fielder intentionally dropped the ball to create an easy force play.12