Verbalizing the Infield Fly ule

[DFDUmpire]

In reserching the verbage of the Infield Fly Rule from MLB rules, I am interpreting to mean they MUST verbalize it once either the field or plate umpire (in his judgement) meets the criteria for the call.  Pony League umpire last night said all he had to do was "indicate" he was calling an Infield Fly" by raising a pointed finger after the pop up was hit and not say anything.  That call had an affect on the outcoem of the game.  I argued it had to be verbalized.  Do I have some crow to eat?

[noumpere]

The basic premise of the IFF rule is to prevent the defense from getting the cheap double play.  If missed, this is one of those things that we can fix.  Call it however you want. If the runners determine whatever they do, that's fine.  but their won't be a cheap double play on my field.

That premise applies when the umpires fail to call the infield fly.  In the play that was posted about, they did call it but only with a signal not with voice.  I think that's different.

 

And in 95% of the games I do both teams or coaches are screaming (okay that might be too much) infield fly when the ball goes up in that situation anyway.

[HeadHunterLA]

 

The basic premise of the IFF rule is to prevent the defense from getting the cheap double play.  If missed, this is one of those things that we can fix.  Call it however you want. If the runners determine whatever they do, that's fine.  but their won't be a cheap double play on my field.

That premise applies when the umpires fail to call the infield fly.  In the play that was posted about, they did call it but only with a signal not with voice.  I think that's different.

 

And in 95% of the games I do both teams or coaches are screaming (okay that might be too much) infield fly when the ball goes up in that situation anyway.

 

Yeah, and I love when the coaches scream it and at the end of the day it isn't called by me, talk about fun stuff.  I have always verbalized IFF and can't really think of a legit reason not to do so.  Even if no one hears it I can tell the coaches not only did I point but I called it out as well. Should the offensive team be aware of the situation and act accordingly, absolutely.  But I don't think I am doing my job correctly unless I very clearly verbalize the call.

[Thunderheads]

 

 

The basic premise of the IFF rule is to prevent the defense from getting the cheap double play.  If missed, this is one of those things that we can fix.  Call it however you want. If the runners determine whatever they do, that's fine.  but their won't be a cheap double play on my field.

That premise applies when the umpires fail to call the infield fly.  In the play that was posted about, they did call it but only with a signal not with voice.  I think that's different.

 

And in 95% of the games I do both teams or coaches are screaming (okay that might be too much) infield fly when the ball goes up in that situation anyway.

 

Yeah, and I love when the coaches scream it and at the end of the day it isn't called by me, talk about fun stuff.  I have always verbalized IFF and can't really think of a legit reason not to do so.  Even if no one hears it I can tell the coaches not only did I point but I called it out as well. Should the offensive team be aware of the situation and act accordingly, absolutely.  But I don't think I am doing my job correctly unless I very clearly verbalize the call.

 

^^^^^^ RIGHT THERE!! ^^^^^^^

[bam]

Noted.  Agreed.  However, that does not allow us to shirk our responsibilities.   SHALL declare......means just that.  And to mention a previous post, maybe it's that crew that needs fixed.

Define "declare"

 

de·clare

 [ di klér ]   

 

1. announce something clearly or loudly: to state something in a plain, open, or emphatic way
2. state something formally or officially: to make an official or public announcement about somebody or something, especially on a legal or medical matter
3. reveal something as taxable: to inform customs or tax authorities about goods on which duty is owed or about income that is taxable

I would argue that the act of pointing is a far more reliable declaration than verbalizing, although I believe you should do both. 

 

I'm sure one of the publications (MLBUM PBUC, etc) clearly states the actions that should be taken on IFF.  Anyone have the reference handy?

[HeadHunterLA]

 

Noted.  Agreed.  However, that does not allow us to shirk our responsibilities.   SHALL declare......means just that.  And to mention a previous post, maybe it's that crew that needs fixed.

Define "declare"

 

Verb

1. Say something in a solemn and emphatic manner.
2. Formally announce the beginning of (a state or condition): "Spain declared war on Britain in 1796".
3. Verbally announce the IFF.

 

I think we are done here.

[johnnyg08]

You should verbalize the IFF.  

 

It is a correctable error if you don't.

[hwileyiii]

In reserching the verbage of the Infield Fly Rule from MLB rules, I am interpreting to mean they MUST verbalize it once either the field or plate umpire (in his judgement) meets the criteria for the call.  Pony League umpire last night said all he had to do was "indicate" he was calling an Infield Fly" by raising a pointed finger after the pop up was hit and not say anything.  That call had an affect on the outcoem of the game.  I argued it had to be verbalized.  Do I have some crow to eat?

Good mechanics...you always verbalize an infield fly.  No, you do not have crow to eat on that issue (verbalization)