Rule I Just Learned Today

[vhcat70]

Don't post here a lot, particularly since the start of covid, but needed to go somewhere with this. So you're the victims.

Had never heard of this (in my 73 years) and of course had never seen it:

A bunt popped into the air is not subject to the infield fly rule such that a fielder can let it drop to the ground and force any runner at the next base if they hold up, even creating a triple play. I.e., the bunter is out automatically out.

I had just assumed all balls hit however into the infield air were subject to the IFFR. I'm guessing it's due to the difference between a ball being batted vs. bunted. Third strike foul bunts are ruled differently than would be third strike batted fouls.

Did anyone know this IFFR difference? Thanks.

 

[Tskware]

Think the umpire can in their discretion call an automatic out and baserunners may not advance on a bunt or line drive if they think it was dropped intentionally

 

[vhcat70]

Think the umpire can in their discretion call an automatic out and baserunners may not advance on a bunt or line drive if they think it was dropped intentionally

- Umps can call automatic out on batted line drive to infielder dropped intentionally, yes, saying the IFFR applies. Runners are never stopped from advancing on batted ball, just in your case they would not be required to advance - as with IFFR.
- Don't know the answer, but doubt that applies to bunted line drive in your case either. I'm appalled at myself for not knowing any of this.