Stealing signals

[coachcutt]

Just wanted an opinion.... how does everybody feel about the parent in the stands who figures out the opposing teams signals and shouts them out to every batter for every pitch. I know its not illegal, just not very good sportsmanship in my opinion. It screws with the pitcher, this guy was good, and was right most every time.

[bballer1]

If it was the coaches or players that figured the signals out I would have said it was ok because that's just part of the game. But it was not. I am in total agreement with you. I do question the coach if this went on for an entire ball game or even an inning. It's not that difficult to change the signals up and I just wonder why they did not.

[coachcutt]

This guy knew his stuff, claimed to be a major league scout. They did change and he kept going. Their coach was complacent and the umpire said nothing he could do. Finally after an exchange with our catcher the umpire warned him that he could not adress the opposing players.

 

It didn't matter a whole lot as we beat them 13-0, thank God he was there to help his team or it would have gotten out of hand....

[coachcutt]

BTW, I agree, if coaches or players pick them up that is totally part of the game. However when they do they generally conceal the fact that they know by using their own coded language to pass along info. This does not distract the pitcher.

Edited March 25, 2013 by coachcutt

[skydogg25]

BTW, I agree, if coaches or players pick them up that is totally part of the game. However when they do they generally conceal the fact that they know by using their own coded language to pass along info. This does not distract the pitcher.

I think the coach of the team who's parent was doing that needs to address it because as parents or fans you should sit there and cheer and let the coaches coach and do what they need to do to win. Congrats on the win and 13-0 is very good no need to beat them any worse IMO!

[Indian]

Saw something similar at softball over the weekend, parents sitting behind the plate would yell out where the catcher was setting up and then where the ball was coming, if they could tell. Bush league. In the old days that would probably result in some batters getting hit until it stopped.

[cbg]

This is perfect example of how the catcher gives the pitcher the middle finger and the next few batters get nailed until everything stops. Allow the players to police the game.

[ksgovols]

cbg beat me to it. I'd ear hole a couple and see if he picked up that signal.

 

It's easy to beat though. You have a decoy sending in signals too and change the indicator every inning and the guy will get tired of trying. In fact, I would have about 10 guys giving signals just for comedic relief.

 

Blue can fix this too. Everything is a strike against this guys team until the guy quits yelling out signals. The coach will suddenly figure out he has more control over his parents than he thought he did or he'll get used to his guys getting rung up.

[Redog]

If I knew your signals, why would I want you to know I knew your signals. The guy is doing you a favor by yelling them out like an idiot. Change'em.

[Solo-mon 2]

People can say what they want, but stealing signals is part of the game. That is the reasons that SIGNALS are called and not just holding up 1 for fb and 2 for curve for everyone to see. Base runners try to steal the catcher's signals, coaches try to steal the opposing coach's signals..... The only thing that I disagree with is the way the Parent handled it. I have stolen the signals of other teams and went and told our coach. Then you have a indicator for the batter to let them know what is coming...say their # for curve, name for FB. You see baserunners touching 1 hand to helmet for FB and 2 for curve on most any team when they figure it out.

I dont agree with yelling it out, I would want to be able to tip my players off for as long as I could. It then is the responsibility for the other coach to change what he is doing, mix the signals, change them....

Some guys I played with did not want to know what was coming because if you were wrong, they were fooled.

This is just my 2 cents...I know that others will not agree.

[bballer1]

I just don't agree with a parent yelling it out or even going to the coach and letting him know the signals. That's just my opinion. I think it takes away from the integrity of the game. The game should be decided between the confines of the playing fielde. The post that really blew my mind was the softball game where parents are allowed to sit behind the back stop and give the hitter pitch locations. Sure seems like an umpire or game official could do something to prevent this from happening. My two cents.

[Indian]

The whole crowd was full of idiots. Yelling at the ump on literally the very first pitch of the game.