define fly ball

Question
QUESTION: High school game, bases loaded no outs.  Batter hits catchable line drive to SS who drops ball, no IFR called by umps so SS throws ball to catcher, 1 out, catcher throws to 3rd, 2nd out, 3rd throws to 2nd, 3rd out.  As expected opposing fans and team go nuts screaming for the IFR.  Umps convene and say no IFR so plays stands.  Is a line drive a fly ball?  Ball probably didn't get over 6' and SS mitt was at her shoulder when she attempted to catch ball.  Umps do not have to audibly call IFR, correct?  
Thanks

ANSWER: Hi D,

An umpire should always signal AND verbalize an IF.

An IF "is a fair fly ball , not including a line drive or an attempted bunt...."

So based on your information and description that the batter hit a line drive, an IF is not appropriate and the umpires were correct.  Good call even if some fans didn't like it.

mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response!
Not to nit pick, but you said "An umpire should...".  Is this actually in the rule book because I have been in games where they signal but don't verbalize.  I have been told that the verbal is basically a courtesy call to the runners and that they don't have to do it.

Answer
Hi D,

no actually a good question if you want to argue the point in the future.

" I have been told that the verbal is basically a courtesy call to the runners and that they don't have to do it."  that's a sorry ass excuse from a weak or inexperienced umpire." An umpire working a tournie for me would be going home as soon as I didn't need them if they told me that. The reason, the spirit, the intent of the rule is to protect the offense by not allowing the defense an easy double play by not catching the ball.  How do the runners know it's an infield fly if you don't call it an IF.  

pg 241 ASA 2009 umpire manual...Infield fly situation....give the IF signal...and verbalize "infield fly"...  seems real clear to me.

mark