Quote:
Originally Posted by Brutus
Umpires are taught to be patient before calling it. It actually is recommended that the umpire waits to make sure an ordinary effort can be made. The umpire waited to see that the shortstop was able to get under the ball, which he did, and he called it. That's actually the right mechanics.
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That's crazy talk.
He called it at a time when it as clear that he SS was unable to get under the ball.
Off the bat it looked like a sure out. The longer the umpire waited, it became less clear that the SS could get under it. When it became clear he couldn't get under it, the umpire finally made the call.
The purpose of the infield fly is to prevent DP's, not protect incompetent infielders. When the call was made, there was zero chance of a DP.
I've never seen an umpire wait unil the last moment.