Sign Of Times: MLB Gives OK To Electronic Pitch Calling
Apr 5, 2022, 4:39 PM
Soloman Bates #98 of the San Francisco Giants talks to catcher Curt Casali #2 prior to the start of the second inning against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 24, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
NEW YORK (AP) — In a move that will end a tradition dating 150 years, Major League Baseball has approved the use of an electronic device for catchers to signal pitches in an effort to eliminate sign stealing and speed games.
Since the beginning of baseball in the 19th century, catchers had used their fingers to signal the type of pitch and its intended location.
Too early to tell if the pitch-calling device, which is pictured here, will be a game-changer. It would eliminate the use of signs from catchers. The hope is it will speed up games.
Read Alden's story for the rest of the details. All quite interesting: https://t.co/8fxGU38nNL pic.twitter.com/4hUiaVaDD4
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 23, 2021
As video at balllparks increased, so did sign stealing and the worries about how teams were trying to do it.
Broadcasters explain that all nine Vanderbilt players are wearing electronic wristbands showing what pitch the coach is calling from the dugout
It’s the first year this is legal in college baseball pic.twitter.com/AohbaLEGfs
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 20, 2022
The Astros were penalized for using a camera and banging a trash can to alert their batters to pitches during their run to the 2017 World Series title.
