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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/base-infield-fly-dropped

The umpire calls "infield fly," the ball lands fair, and the infielder drops it. What happens to the batter?

The batter is still out.

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  1. The batter is safe at first
  2. The batter is still out ✔
  3. The pitch is replayed

Why: An infield fly is a fair fly ball. Once it is declared and remains fair, the batter is out even if the ball is not caught. Runners may advance at their own risk.

Huh, didn't know that: The umpire may say "Infield Fly, if Fair" when the ball is near a foul line.

The dad joke
Why did the infielder drop the pop up? He thought the rule would catch it for him.
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References

Answer: The batter is still out. An infield fly is a fair fly ball. Once it is declared and remains fair, the batter is out even if the ball is not caught. Runners may advance at their own risk.

  1. MLB Glossary: Infield Fly www.mlb.com/glossary/rules/infield-fly
    The batter is out even if the ball is not caught
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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