How to Steal Signals in Baseball
Stealing an opposing baseball's teams signs can be useful because it tells your team what pitches are going to be thrown and what offensive plays, such as a hit and run, have been called. Unless you use video cameras and other technology, stealing signals isn't illegal in baseball. It's an art and takes plenty of skill to do properly. Here is how to steal signals in baseball.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Watch for any patterns that the opposing first- and third-base coach use during a game. Perhaps they start or finish a signal the same way each time a hit and run is called. Making notes of this will help your defense know what they should be looking for out on the field.
-
2
Grab a good lead off of second base and watch the catcher carefully. When there is a runner on base, the catcher will use an intricate series of signals as a way to hide what pitch he is calling. A runner with a good eye should be able to remember the pattern. Do this while somebody in your dugout is charting the pitches. Eventually, you should be able to put signals with pitches.
-
-
3
Talk to your first- and third-base coaches in between innings during the game. These coaches are trained to spot when opposing players or coaches are giving anything away.
-
4
Watch how the opposing defense communicates with one another during the game. The third baseman may make a signal to the rest of the infielders to indicate that the wheel play has been called. Spotting this will allow a batter to know where to hit the ball.
-
5
Learn the indicator sign that a catcher uses when runners are on base. When runners are on base, the catcher flashes one or two different signs as a way to fool the offense. Once you know this, you will be able to tell when the catcher is showing the actual pitch sign.
-
6
Watch any television or video footage that is available. These cameras often zoom in on players and coaches when signals are being used. This is the clearest view you will ever get of an opposing team's signals.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Mix up your own signals so that they are not stolen by opponents.
It is illegal in almost every baseball league to videotape other teams and the signals they use. The only video you are allowed to watch are televised baseball games.
