<P> A fielder who misplays an infield fly is not charged with an error because the batter is out through the infield fly rule . In fact, the fielder who should have caught an infield fly earns a putout . But a fielder who fails to touch an infield fly that then rolls foul may be charged with an error for letting the ball roll foul; the batter is not out, and the misplay prolongs the batter's time at bat . </P> <P> The rule was first introduced in 1895 by the National League in response to infielders intentionally dropping pop - ups to get multiple outs by forcing out the runners on base, who were pinned near their bases while the ball was in the air . At that time, the rule only applied with one man out . </P> <P> The current rule came into effect in 1901 . It was amended in 1904 to not apply to line drives, and in 1920 to not apply to bunts . </P> <P> In the fifth game of the 2008 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pedro Feliz of the Phillies hit a pop - up to the right side of the infield with runners on first and second and one out, in strong rain and swirling winds, and the infield fly rule was not invoked . Umpiring crew chief Tim Tschida explained that "The infield fly rule requires the umpires' judgment to determine whether or not a ball can be caught with ordinary effort, and that includes wind" and that the umpire's determination was that in this case there was no infielder who could make the play with "ordinary effort". </P>

When does the infield fly rule come into effect