Stealing Signs

[matt]

Blackburn's a rec league in as much as the RA is, so I thought I'd direct this question to you guys, since I play in the RA....

I've never played fastball at a level higher than the RA, so I'm not sure of the unwritten rules of Senior ball, or high levels, but at the rec level, is sign stealing considered cheating, or part of the game? Our team got kinda miffed when it happened to us a couple days ago.

Thanks.

M@

[jl12]

I'd also like to hear what someone who's been around the game for a long time has to stay about this subject. I get the feeling it's unacceptable in men's ball.

[catcher17]

Personally I am against stealing signs. It is really a cheap way to get an advantage in a ball game. I know that in higher levels of ball a batter will probably pay the price of someone who steals signs. I have caught people in our league stealing signs before and confronted them explaining that there is no place for cheating not only in senior ball but at any level. This being said it happens and if someone is stealing a sign they should do it discreetly not verbally stating what is coming.

[horseshoeman2006]

Stealing signs isn't a big deal. You just need to be ready to plunk the next batter. In all seriousness, it sorts itself out nicely once that happens.

[Shannon Borho]

The way I look at it, stealing signs is not cheating per se and I think it is part of the game. It definately gives an advantage if you know when guys are stealing and bunting ahead of time.

That being said, "accidentally" drilling the next guy in the ribs who comes up the dish is also not cheating and is part of the game.

Stealing signs from the 3rd base coach seems to be more acceptable than stealing signs from the catcher. I think the reason for that is that most pitchers are already one beer short of a six-pack and if they catch you stealing signs, you may be leaving the game with a few bruises.

I agree with catcher17, verbally revealing signals is definately not acceptable in any level of baseball or fastball. But if you do steal signs and reveal signs, you've gotta be willing to accept the consequences.

Oh and matt, I'm pretty sure I know which team in the RA you are referring to and word is getting around quickly about them.

[matt]

Yeah, the question was more in reference to their runner at second stealing signs from our catcher. We refrained from intentionally plunking anyone (although maybe it was Karma that there were two unintentional HBPs, lol).

Thanks for the input, guys.

M@

[chadorl]

Hey guys, ya thats us Matt is referring to. Ive never looked at stealing signs of any sort of cheating but as just competing...wrong or right, thats the way i looked at it. Its happened to us, and we change the signs, and it stops. I wasnt stealing signs and I havent in years. We'll can it though as it seems the concensus is no one wants it. Matt, I apoligize for the argument, shouldnt happen again. Shannon, didnt expect it to happen again, ill tell the guys to let it go.

Good luck with your seasons guys.

Chad
Orleans #9

[crazyhorsejohnny]

Bean ball baby!

[rejtable]

I don't understand the big fuss. If a team is so stupid as to make their signs very obvious, they deserve to have them stolen.

That said, I do agree with everyone who would plunk someone for making a big spectacle of the stealing.

It's all gamesmanship, and as long as everyone is respectful, I don't see the big deal.

Rej

[crazyhorsejohnny]

I played (catcher) for another team a couple weeks ago when a batter was ALWAYS TAKING a look behind to see the location of the next pitch. He was lucky it wasn't one of my pitchers !

[garylarocque]

I can't steal signs since I still don't know the signs my own team uses ?! ;D

[flyers15]

I don't think it was as much of a problem with stealing the actual signs from second base, it was mostly telling the batter where the catcher was setting up, whether it be inside or outside

Mo

[petegriffin]

how in the world is it cheating by knowing where the catcher is setting up. all you have to do is LOOK. i think its a fair assumption that we all have eyes and we can all see the catcher each play. if looking at the catcher is cheating, then im pretty sure every player is guilty

[flyers15]

well when you actually play against pitchers that can throw harder than you can count to three it seems pointless to look back at the catcher and lose focus.


Mo

[petegriffin]

exactly, problems can easily be avoided if your signs arent obvious enough to steal, if they get stolen change em, they were too easy. if they get stolen, who cares, this aint the pros