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Reply to "error on infield fly call?"

MidloDad,

The Casebook does address umpire error in infield fly situations. It shows that the actual situation, rather than the umpire's declaration, determines the proper outcome.

7.4.1 SITUATION G: With R1 on second and R2 on first and one out, B4 hits a high fly to second base which could have been caught by F4. Neither umpire declares “infield fly.” F4 unintentionally drops the ball but picks it up and tags R2 who is off the base. RULING: The half-inning is over as R2’s out is the third out. The infield fly out for the second out holds even though it was not declared. The situation determines the out, not the declaration. The umpires should always declare “Infield Fly, Batter Out If Fair” to lessen any confusion.

and

10.2.3 SITUATION F: With R1 on third and no outs, B2 hits a high fly in the infield above the second baseman’s head. The base umpire erroneously calls “Infield fly. The batter is out.” F4 subsequently drops the ball. R1 scores from third and B2 ends up on second base. Does the play stand or is B2 out but the run allowed to score? RULING: The play would stand. Both teams have the responsibility to know when conditions exist for an infield fly. The batter-runner should attempt to reach base safely and then inform the umpire that his call was in error. (7-4-1f)

As an aside, I am amused by the instruction to a player that he should "inform the umpire that his call was in error."
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