Glossary of
Terms for GAA Fast Pitch Softball
Infield fly rule:
The infield fly rule applies
whenever there are runners on first and second (or all three bases) with less
than two outs and the batter hits a fly ball (not a line drive or bunt) into
fair territory, which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. The
umpire must invoke the rule - if no umpire calls "infield fly," the rule is not
invoked. It is a judgment call.
The rule is on the books in order to prevent an infielder from creating an
artificial double or triple play. With bases loaded, a pitcher might allow an
infield fly to drop in front of her then quickly throw the ball to the catcher
who throws to third and then to second to nail the runners who stayed close to
their bases in order to not be doubled up on a caught ball.
When the infield fly rule is invoked and the ball remains fair, the batter is
automatically out thereby removing the force for the runners on base. Runners
may advance at their own risk. There is no need for a runner on base to advance.
If an infield fly is caught, runners may tag up and advance if they choose. But
note that they must still tag up if the ball is caught. If a called infield fly
is dropped, runners may advance without needing to return to base to tag up.
Dropped 3rd Strike:
If a catcher drops a 3rd strike, the batter-runner is eligible to run
to first base WHEN:
a)
There are less than two (2) outs AND first base is open, or
b)
Anytime there are two (2) outs.
If the
pitch bounces in front of the batter—the batter swings—and misses the ball for
the 3rd strike (even if the catcher cleanly controls the ball), it is considered
a dropped third strike. The ball is live (not “dead”) and the defense can make
a play. Whenever a batter-runner enters the dugout after a legal “at-bat”, the
batter-runner forfeits their right to advance to first base. The Official
Scorekeeper will record a strikeout.
A batter may steal 1st
base, on a 3rd strike if the ball hits the ground before the catcher
has control of it, or if the ball is dropped, by the catcher.
Look Back Rule:
Base runners are called out, if they are not standing on a base, or
moving to a base, when the pitcher has control of the ball, in the circle.
Base runners are also called out, if they change direction, stop, or ‘dance’,
between bases, unless the pitcher makes a move or gesture, that can cause a
reaction from the base runner.
The pitcher does NOT have to
“Look” at the base runner, for them to be called out. The base runner does not
have to go “Back” to a base, in order to be safe.
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