Runners on first and second, no outs. Batter hits a medium high pop up in between the pitcher and catcher. Infield fly is immediately called, batter is out. Pitcher made a little effort to try and get to the ball but since it was a senior league he could not get there in time. Catcher never moved but probably had a much better chance to get to the ball if he tried at all. Ball drops to the ground. Easy call. Batting team says a fielder has to try and make a catch on infield fly. What say you?
I know I know. Of course the player does not believe me because we all know all players have read the rule book and actually practice them in games.
I find that showing them in print form comments from other umpires gives them a way to understand the rule even better. Some will go to the rule book and still argue because they don't fully comprehend. The reality is we as umpire practice those rules every play. This player will want to see the words "a player must make an attempt to catch a ball after being called infield fly or the infield fly does not happen". As I explained to him first off it was an infield fly for sure since it didn't even get to the pitcher in the infield. I then explained no actual attempt needs to take place in infield fly once it has been called. But of course they know better than an umpire. This gives me the proof I need. And I am fully aware there are other threads about infield fly and I did look but I did not see anything that fit this example.
The enacting of the infield fly rule requires judgement. Part of the infield fly rule states that the ball must be able to be caught with
ordinary effort. Was the defensive player able to make a play with ordinary effort? Were the runners put in jeopardy? Just because a ball is hit into the air in or near the infield does not mean that it's an automatic call. Judgement should be used. That judgement should take into account the height & location of the ball, the ability of the players to reasonable make the play, etc...... If,
in your judgement, the play met all of the conditions require to make the call, then make the call.
I have to say though that your OP brings into question your call. ".....he could not get there in time." ".....probably had a much better chance to get to the ball......" Not a lot of certainty in either of those sentences! Also, what is "medium high"? That's a bit vague. Be more precise. I will also say that the word, "immediately", gives me some concern. Immediately when? When the ball reached its zenith? When the position of the ball & the defensive players were assessed? Not every ball that's popped up into the air in the infield when an infield fly situation is in effect is an infield fly!
Finally, I've always been taught that the three most important words in an umpire's arsenal are,
"In my judgement......". They can provide a bit of insulation.
