Stealing Signs

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Jun 12, 2017
2
0
This weekend we played a team who had runners on second base giving signs to the batter where the catcher was setting up behind the plate. The runner would wave their arm to show the batter if the catcher was set up to the inside or outside of the plate prior to the pitch. Is there a rule against this?
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Nope, no rule. Best way to fix it, throw the exact opposite of what the runner on 2nd is telling the batter. If she signals an outside pitch, at last second have catcher move inside and throw inside.
 
Sep 24, 2013
696
0
Midwest
Nope. Common practice at higher levels. My advice is for catcher to set up later. that way by the time the runner gives the sign the pitch is already on the way and the batter doesn't have time to focus on the ball and the runner sign.
 

Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
We used a "tap system" when we thought that the runner was signalling. So, pitcher looks in at catcher. Catcher taps chest protector in certain locations 2 times. That tells pitcher where to throw pitch. Pitcher uses catcher's body and not mitt for target. Catcher moves late to location. For example, riseball, throw a foot inside the catcher's ear and let ball travel. Catcher will be there to receive ball. I hope this helps.
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
Certainly legal. Better teams are a little more subtle versus the ones who wave like they are trying to wave in a plane. As others have said just cross them up. Especially effective is to setup outside and throw one inside. I do know hitters that don't want to know.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Best thing is to ignore it. Have the catcher set up very early, throw to that same location, only for them to miss and look stupid. Total ownership of the other team. I have yet to see any team actually capitalize on such shenanigans. Mostly it just gets in heads of the opposing team, especially when the parents make a big stink about it. Had a team steal my pitching signals back in the day. Something that is not hard to do since I do not really try to hide them. Started verbally calling the pitch and the location to my DD and her catcher. After about 3 innings of humiliation where they knew both the pitch and location and could not hit, the opposing coach, lesson learned asked me to stop and I obliged.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Sounds like DD sort of.

C setup outside, 50% chance it will be outside, 50% chance it will be inside.

I think that was what you were saying.
 

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