Intentionally Dropped Ball by Outfielder


 
With a runner on 1st base and one out, the batter hits a high pop-up to short center field. The center fielder camps under the pop up, but then clearly intentionally drops the ball. The center fielder then flips the ball to 2nd for an easy force out and then the ball is thrown to 1st base for an easy double play (the batter was not running on his easy pop-up to short center field).
 
What does the umpire do with this intentionally dropped ball situation?
 
Call
Admittedly, this was a tricky question that was meant to reinforce that there are three criteria for invoking the intentional-drop penalties (they are: less than two outs, runner on first, and dropped by an infielder). If those conditions are met and the ball is intentionally dropped, then the batter is out, the ball is immediately dead, and the runners return to their base at the time of the pitch -- NF 8-4-1c.

Since this pop-up was handled by an outfielder, there is no intentional drop -- so the double play stands.

 

Remember, if the ball is untouched by the fielder, then it is NOT intentionally dropped.