It was Sam Holbrook who made the game changing call in the 2012 Wild Card game between the Braves and Cardinals. What appeared to be a lazy fly ball, that sent Pete Kozma into shallow left field. Kozma appeared to be called off by left fielder, Matt Holliday, when the ball dropped. At first, no call was made and then...Holbrook made the "infield fly" call. An "infield fly" is called when:
On the infield fly rule the umpire is to rule whether the ball could ordinarily have been handled by an infielder-not by some arbitrary limitation such as the grass, or the base lines. The umpire must rule also that a ball is an infield fly, even if handled by an outfielder, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been as easily handled by an infielder. Theinfield fly is in no sense to be considered an appeal play. The umpire's judgment must govern, and thedecision should be made immediately.
When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions of Rule 6.05(l). The infield fly rule takes precedence.
Basically, the fielder doesn't have to move much in order to catch the ball. This was obviously NOT an infield fly.
Well, Sam Holbrook is back on the field for this series between the Braves and Cardinals and this time, he's the crew chief.
Photo: Getty Images