A sacrifice fly is a play in baseball where the batter hits a fly ball, and a teammate scores—even though the batter gets out.
This play lets teams earn runs without the batter getting a hit or moving up themselves.
It’s a big part of baseball strategy and can really swing a close game.
Understanding how a sacrifice fly works can help fans appreciate the game more.
It’s not like other outs because it puts a run on the board.
When players go for a sacrifice fly, it adds a layer of excitement and tension to baseball.
You can almost feel the crowd hold its breath.
Some famous players have set records with sacrifice flies, which shows how valuable this play is.
It’s a smart way to help the team and keep things moving.
Learning about the sacrifice fly can really open your eyes to the teamwork and timing that make baseball so interesting.
Key Takeaways
- A sacrifice fly lets a run score, even though the batter is out.
- It’s a strategic play in baseball.
- There’s a long history behind it, with some big records.
Understanding the Sacrifice Fly
A sacrifice fly helps a team score by letting a baserunner move up or score after a caught fly ball.
You’ll find some specific rules about the type of hit, how many outs there are, and where the runners are.
This play also affects how the batter gets scored in the stats.
Definition and Criteria
A sacrifice fly happens when a batter hits a fly ball that a fielder catches, usually in the outfield.
There have to be fewer than two outs, and a runner on third base needs to tag up and score after the catch.
Here’s what needs to happen:
- The ball gets caught in the air.
- The runner tags up and scores after the catch.
- There are less than two outs.
The batter gives up their shot at reaching base to help the team.
Official rules, especially rule 9.08(d), call this a sac fly.
It’s not the same as a bunt or a ground out, which have their own rules.
How a Sacrifice Fly is Scored
When someone scores a sacrifice fly, the batter doesn’t get charged with an at-bat.
This keeps their batting average safe.
Still, it counts as a plate appearance and is marked as a sacrifice fly (SF) in the stats.
The runner’s run counts as an RBI for the batter.
The scorer records who caught the fly ball.
Here’s a quick look:
| Statistic | Effect on Batter |
|---|---|
| At-bat | Not charged |
| Plate appearance | Charged |
| Sacrifice fly (SF) | Recorded |
| RBI | Credited on runner scoring |
These rules keep stats fair and give the batter credit for helping the team.
Sacrifice Fly vs Other Plays
A sacrifice fly isn’t the same as a sacrifice bunt or a sacrifice hit, even though all these plays help move runners forward.
- Sacrifice bunt: The batter bunts to move runners up, usually getting thrown out at first.
- Sacrifice hit: Usually just another way to say sacrifice bunt.
- Ground out: Batter hits a ground ball and gets out at first.
This doesn’t count as a sacrifice fly.
Infield fly rule plays are different too.
For a sacrifice fly, the ball needs to be caught outside the infield, most often by an outfielder.
The batter tries to hit it deep enough for the runner to tag up and score, especially with fewer than two outs.
Impact on Statistics
A sacrifice fly doesn’t count as an at-bat, so it doesn’t hurt the batter’s batting average.
It does count as a plate appearance, though, which slightly drops the on-base percentage because the batter didn’t get on base.
This rule tries to give the batter credit for helping the team score, without hurting their average.
The batter gets an RBI for the run, which boosts their stats for runs batted in.
It’s a pretty important part of how MLB tracks stats and strategy.
If you’re curious about gear for these kinds of plays, take a look at baseball equipment solutions.
Sacrifice Fly in Baseball History and Strategy
The sacrifice fly has been in and out of baseball’s official rules since 1908.
It shapes a lot of game moments, letting teams score runs while keeping the batter from losing an at-bat.
This play really matters for both player stats and team wins.
Famous Players and Sacrifice Fly Records
Some of baseball’s best have made a name for themselves with sacrifice flies.
Eddie Murray, Gil Hodges, and Pete Rose all hold career records for sac flies.
These players helped their teams score big runs without always swinging for a hit.
Ted Williams and Brooks Robinson were great at this too, showing real teamwork.
Ron Santo and Johnny Bench, both National League stars, also racked up RBIs this way.
Tim Kurkjian, who covers baseball, points out that players willing to hit sacrifice flies show a deeper understanding of the game.
It’s not just about hitting home runs—it’s about doing what’s best for the team.
Sacrifice Fly in Modern MLB
Today, the sacrifice fly is still a tracked official stat in both the American League and National League.
It affects a player’s batting average because a sac fly doesn’t count as an at-bat.
Teams like the Yankees, Tigers, Astros, and Rangers use sacrifice flies late in games to bring runners home.
Players from the Mariners and Rockies do this too, so it’s a common tactic all over MLB.
A sacrifice fly can work alongside other plays, like walks or getting hit by a pitch, to make scoring chances.
Strategic Importance
Teams use the sacrifice fly as a go-to move when there’s a runner on third and fewer than two outs.
The batter tries to hit a fly ball deep enough for the runner to tag up and score.
Managers and players like this play because it moves the team forward without risking a double play.
It’s a balance of playing it smart and staying aggressive.
In tight games, a sacrifice fly can make all the difference.
Players like Frank Taveras, Kirby Puckett, and Don Mattingly learned how to use it in big moments.
They helped their teams with hits and runs, showing how important timing and teamwork are.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sacrifice fly happens when the batter hits a fly ball and a runner scores.
This play often leads to runs and changes the batter’s stats in specific ways.
What is the definition of a sacrifice fly in baseball?
A sacrifice fly is a fly ball caught by a fielder, letting a runner score after the catch.
The ball has to be hit before two outs, and the fielder is usually in the outfield.
Can a player get an RBI from a sacrifice fly?
Yes, the batter gets an RBI if a run scores because of the sacrifice fly.
This play helps the team without costing the batter an official at-bat.
What is the difference between a sac fly and a sacrifice fly?
They’re the same thing. “Sac fly” is just a shorter way of saying “sacrifice fly.” Both mean the batter hit a fly ball that scored a run.
Were there any recent changes to the rules regarding a sacrifice fly?
No major rule changes have happened for sacrifice flies lately.
The rule became official in 1954 and hasn’t really changed since.
How does executing a sacrifice fly affect a batter’s average?
A sacrifice fly doesn’t count as an at-bat.
It doesn’t lower the batter’s batting average, but it’s still counted separately in the stats.
Who holds the record for the most career sacrifice flies?
Albert Pujols holds the record for the most career sacrifice flies.
He’s hit more sacrifice flies than anyone else in Major League Baseball history.