Based on some comments, an update. 1) After watching two full games with RI and seeing every time a runner was on 2nd base, it was clear that the team was NOT stealing and relaying signs. It’s possible, but not conclusive, that maybe one or two players may have at most. NH said they were “clapping” but the clapping started prior to the catcher giving the sign...sooo, can’t be that. 2) YES, kids this age steal and relay signs WITHOUT coaches even knowing. They are not typically taught. It doesn’t take a genius to observe the catcher’s sign when on 2nd and realize, “Hey, if I could tell lil Yonny that it’s a curveball, I bet he’d not strike out.” 3) This video was in que before RI even reached Williamsport. I DELAYED the release to spare them anymore publicity while still playing, and waited until the LOWEST view month of the year. I didn’t care to make this a big deal, just wanted to share my disgust with a coach that would publicly malign a bunch of children.
How hard would it be for the Asst coach to workout a system with the catcher a week before the first game???? When a runner gets on 2nd - I touch my mask it’s the 1st sign - I touch my chest it’s the 2nd sign - I touch my shin guard it’s the 3rd sign. Gotta give more than 1 sign it’s not cheating if runner can figure out 1 sign.
@@davidbarry1130 The big deal is that it is against Little League rules and the coaches knew it. If they were doing it and were caught, then they get the punishment that the rule book specifies. It's not hard to understand. This isn't the Major Leagues so don't try to use the same standards or rule to judge.
@@Swordsfor200Alex How hard would it be for the coaches to simply follow the rules and tell their players to do the same? it certainly is cheating when someone knowingly breaks the rules (and don't try to tell me that coaches don't know when their players are doing it). If the rules say "Don't steal signs", then don't steal signs. With that rule in place, it shouldn't be necessary for the other coach to work out a system with the catcher. I have no idea if they were really stealing signs in that video, by the way. Just making a general statement.
@@patrickmorgan4006 You are absolutely correct. However, the point of the video was how the losing coach maligned the team that won publicly in the media. What's worse? Kid's relaying signs (if they did they likely didn't know it was against Little League rules. I umpire LL and run into this issue quite a bit and players don't usually know. And coaches don't know their players are doing it, typically.) Was it okay for that coach to go to the media and make those comments?
One of the greatest lessons taught in youth sports is how to play within a set of rules and be successful at it. Our prisons are loaded with people who never got the message. If a coach doesn't like a rule they can protest and work to get it changed or quit. One of the greatest joys an old guy like me gets from watching youth sports is knowing they are not just having fun but being taught valuable life lessons that will contribute to their success as an adult. Yeah, ok watching them just be kids is fun too. Love baseball!
Agreed. I coached for over thirty years. We always preached that we weren't here to make baseball players. Any coach who claims he is, is lying to himself and his ego. If we were there to make baseball players all coaches fail. We felt our number one priority was to teach honesty and ethics they can take with them through their lives. We told them we preferred honest people to smart people. We told kids prisons are filled with smart people, but aren't filled with honesr people, although there may be a few honest people in jail. So, the best trait to be known by is to be honest and ethical. I still hear from kids who talk about the fun and lessons they learned as children on the teams I coached.
It's funny how your talking about all sports when there just baseball. And prison, people like you are the prudes. You must be a Karen because your pushing something that wasn't needed. Most people who run the world never played sports. But way to give bad advice, sports don't only make a good person. All kids learn these skills already from the gym.
@@Mark-pe2sh So if you coached honesty and ethical awarnessl I'm sure you didn't vote for TRE45ON in 16 or 20. The example of a Bully with "my way or the highway" type diplomacy who lied about losing and may have been the worst sore loser in U S history is definitely not what I would call a positive role model or someone I'd want any kid admiring and trying to imitate or look up too!
As a little league coach myself I'd always watch the 3rd base coach of the other team, and if their signs were overly simple and repetitive I'd use it to my advantage, it helps knowing a bunt or steal is coming, but honestly I can't think of one time it was ever game changing.
If you're good enough, you don't need to look at the third base coach for any signs. I was a little league catcher back in the day, and the only time I had to pay attention was when the pitcher was pitching and if someone was stealing a base. I hardly had anyone steal on me and when they tried, I got them out. Also, if you have teammates also paying attention, they can help by yelling "stealer" (if the batter is blocking 3rd or 1st base or if the pitcher is blocking the runner at 2nd). I personally think these "stealing sign" practices are ridiculous and merely means you're not as good as you think you are if you have to resort to it.
We had a coach in our Pony league that when on defense would yell stuff to the second baseman that was only meant to distract the runner at 2nd and to have him shorten their lead off. Not really sure if it's against the Pony rules, but the umpire told him to stop it and it shamed the guy some.
If you know how to give signs, nobody should be able to figure them out except he who knows the key. If you understand what I just said you know I am right.
Welcome to LL.. and you would not want to get tossed here by getting livid... an EJ in little league comes with a mandatory 1 game suspension on top of it. So you'd lose the rest of this game and all of the next. You also have to be wary of the camera angles.. that pitch may not be a far outside as it looks... you're way over to the right more than you'd be on an MLB equivalent camera. So some of those outside pitches... are not as far outside as they appear on TV...
@@ronpeacock9939 based on the catcher's glove position and tracking the ball it was outside. Having stated this, it's little league baseball and bigger strike zone is good for the game. Baseball is a hitter's game, swing the bat.
@@Mark-pe2sh Believe me, I know... I did so much little league games as an umpire for about 12 years including numerous state championships and 1 regional. I was complimented often for my strikezone at the lower levels for it being big enough for the pitchers to hit it.. but small enough the batters could still hit it. (though I never did a state championship at those lower levels. All are for softball and baseball on large diamond..)
Exactly! It's always been perfectly fine if players use their eyes or their ears to "steal" signs from the other team. It's the other team's responsibility to safeguard their signs. But it's another thing entirely to go beyond that and install cameras, or mirrors, or electronic listening devices to steal signs.
TruthfulImmigrant nah stealing signs by using a camera in the outfield is a HUGE difference than being a smart player or coach that figures out through the game what the signs are. That’s why people are even more pissed yes sign stealing is a part of the game but you don’t using a fucking camera to do it
Whether it's learning signals or audibles u get taught that from the first time u start playing sports...and yes using a camera is taking g it to another level...lol
It is against little league rules though so it is cheating on little league the team should be ashamed that they had to cheat to win. That player should have been ejected as the rules state as a warning was already given.
I agree this rule will serve to hurt pitchers and catchers in the future. After little league there is no rule so these kids need to learn now how to protect their signs with a runner at second. Protecting against a camera and trash can that’s a whole different issue.
If a parent off the field or coach is involved I would not approve but if a 10-12 year old can figure it out and communicate to his teammates great for them. A few years ago a MLB color analyst realized that the other team’s starter was telegraphing a particular pitch, I think everyone in the stadium knew it, does this silly rule cover players sharing this type of info?
I think it's a rule for player safety. Mixing up signs can be very dangerous and you don't want to see a catcher who's only recently learned how to catch breaking balls get a fastball unexpectedly
They will be taught.how to. By the time these kids are on college they won't even use hand signals. If they told me they were stealing sign I would of beaned them. It's called Karma. It's a rule. No wonder most kids cry like babies during games. Because there coach is a baby.
I was a catcher in LL back in 1984, even back then we changed the sign up when runners got to 2st. That’s part of baseball ⚾️. The coach was a bad looser.
My catcher and I in high school had a ridiculous system that required so much math it hurt your brain 😂 never had signs stolen of me while I was pitching, I will say when I picked up on a teams signs while on second base we had subtle tip offs to each other and never made it noticeable. Not our fault we were smart enough to figure it out.
You learned to change the signs because the other teams (and it sounds like your team as well) were cheating. That isn't legal in LL or the LLWS. The coach in question might well be a bad loser because the opponents were cheating. It is hard to accept losing to cheaters (does 2020 bring anything to mind?). It would appear that your coach (and many others) were cheaters as well. I guess that is something to be proud of these days. I see no honor in it and a good portion of the country is recognizing the results of that mentality. FJB
See I don’t think reading signs like that is cheating. I think that’s just being smart. If you can see them with your eyes and not using technology then I think it’s fair game
Is a corresponding 65mph fastball from an early bloomer 5'10" 12-yr old intentionally thrown at your kid from 46' away equally fair game if he was observed picking signs? What if him honestly wiping the sweat out of his eyes just after a catcher puts the signs down results in him getting dotted by said fb?
Corey Duberstein no 12 twelve year old is gonna be throwing at the batter if they know the signs from the runner on second. People don’t get mad in the MLB if they’re naturally stealing signs like this
Totally agree that the defense can make it more difficult to steal signs. But, c’mon. It’s Little League. Let the kids play without adults trying to relive their childhood.
At 4:47 we see the same kid do the same thing again, just using a different signalling system. He watches the sign, nods his head up and down for the batter, to indicate he should swing at this pitch; then bounces his head a couple times as he looks away, hoping the umpire won't catch him at it. Then, at 4:54 the kid on 2nd holds his hands out towards the batter as if to say "Why didn't you swing?" Very well coached on stealing signs. All this, but I don't agree with going to the media. It only shames the kids on the team, who work hard.
When I caught I would put down four or five signs. We had an indicator, the sign after the indicator was the call. We changed the indicator often. No one stole our signs. If I thought someone was trying I would have my pitcher put one between his numbers. That’s part of baseball as well. At least it used to be.
These are Little League kids. The concept of stealing signs should never have been presented to them and should have been rejected immediately because it is cheating.
dj manning not where I play. I don’t relay them but when I’m in seconds I look at the signs and if it’s off speed I get a bigger secondary cause more likely it will be lower in the zone or maybe in the dirt where the catcher can’t handle itv
Stealing signs is part of the game, bellyaching after a loss to a better team is not supposed to be. Especially with youth ball. This coach needs someone to talk to him about sportsmanship.
No, someone needs to talk to you about sportsmanship - "Especially in youth ball" - or maybe you don't understand the meaning of "sign stealing" is illegal in the LLWS? The people who designed the workings of little league baseball decided that we should be teaching our kids things like "sportsmanship" and integrity - not cheating the system. or any other cheating for that matter. That coach might be bellyaching but that generally happens when you get cheated. Oh, I forgot - we can't talk about being cheated (even though we have been) anymore lest we be accused of treason and jailed without due justice. You have the makings of a great liberal democrat.
Stealing signs is a part of the game. It's not cheating, it's smart. Also, if your signs are easy enough to steal, it's your fault. Edit: I do not condone stealing signs with technology, but if there is a runner on second base the catcher should at least put a couple signs down so that the player on second base cannot relay the sign.
S O F T T E A R S well, stealing signs without using technology is cheating. The Astros cheated not by stealing signs, but by using technology to steal signs.
@@nobogiedr Actually kids do think of it. When Little League banned it coaches started to have to explain to kids that it wasn't allowed. They are much smarter than you're giving credit. When they are on second and see, "oh look, he's throwing a curve ball" and then the batter strikes out.... Light bulb comes on!
The kids and the team were a class act when they were there. I go every year. The Eastern Regional runs a great tournament. Sometimes disappointment gets the better of you as just being human. He did a great job coaching and the kids loved him. We should let it go. A hiccup on a nice day. Not even noticeable and quickly forgotten Play on.
“I trust in God, I love my Country, and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose, I will always do my best”. LL pledge...I memorized it as a 12 yo in 1973 and for some reason it’s stuck with me. Its a sentiment instilled in me and my three brothers by our incredible father who helped establish the LL, Pony League, Senior League and Colt League programs in our community back in the late 50’s (my oldest bro is 11 years my senior) and into the mid 70’s as I aged. I eventually coached my son for 8 years in a non-LL sanctioned program. I recited that pledge to my players and parents every year and would not have stood for sign stealing on the part of my kids. I learned I couldn’t control any behavior the other coach encouraged or allowed, but if it was against the defined rules...then it would have been addressed, no question. I don’t believe I would have done what the losing coach did, but to call him “pathetic” and “a disgrace” seems pretty harsh to me (even though those words are thrown around too liberally anymore, in my opinion). I’d assign that language to the rule breakers. Play and coach fair, for goodness’ sake...our children are watching.
It was obvious to me upon rewatching this ,the kid appeared to be reading and relaying signs. So the umpire does what SHOULD be done. He confers with an official then tells the coach to warn the base runner. Why that coach cried about it afterwords is beyond me.
As a youth coach (baseball, softball, and football), we tend to teach what our kids will probably my face within the rules of our league. If sign stealing is expressly forbidden then we wouldn’t waste time on signal systems, instead we would use that time to work on other skills. I don’t necessarily agree with this rule, but it’s probably designed to help kids and coaches focus on other aspects of baseball rather than developing signal systems. Not that it takes up a lot a time, but we never have enough time to teach our kids everything we want them to learn.
Yes that's one thing the video misses. Sign-stealing was banned in the tournament, so why would you waste time with extra signs, especially since there's always at least a small chance of a cross-up?
...so what you are saying is that teaching kids the concept of integrity is of low priority now. I would think you would put that first - my bad, that isn't what you teach kids anymore.
Which tells me it was probably decided on the spot by the kid and not a coached system. If a coach would have set it up it would have been hands on knees for a breaking ball, hands at sides for a fastball or something less obvious.
@@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy my comment had nothing to do with implying the coaches "suck", in fact you have to be a pretty good coach to make it that far. My point was simply that the kids decided to steal and relay signs on their own because if a coach told them or coached them on how to do it it wouldn't have been obvious, but not coaching kids to steal signs doesn't make you a bad coach.
I played baseball, as a pitcher and outfielder, from LL thru college. Stealing signs was a part of the game. It was never considered cheating. As a pitcher, I knew that for a particular game there would be an indicator sign, false signs, etc. As an outfielder, we had to know the signs for where to throw the ball back if it is hit to us, which side of the base, etc.There were signs from the 3rd base coach to the hitter, to the 1st base coach. Signs all over the place! It could get pretty complicated. But in competition, you’re always looking for an advantage. Those people whining about cheaters obviously never play the game except in your backyard. Learn the game or shut up.
The description of your odyssey through time and baseball is entertaining. The problem is that the issue here is the rules that pertain to the LLWS. Those people "whining about cheaters" are correct. Maybe you are only remembering your days of playing in your backyard - "obviously" - not your days, if ever, involved in a LLWS event or you would know that stealing signs is illegal. You might want to review your knowledge of "the game" before you show your ignorance again (or shut up). "You aren't learning anything when you are talking"- I don't remember where I heard that quote but I try to keep it in mind.
Stealing of signs is “unsportsmanlike” it’s part of the game and if people are stealing your signs you should change them. Last year I figured out an opposing teams steal sign in the 2nd inning so I knew when they were going every time so I could help my teammate I wasn’t starting that game.
I agree that complaining to the media shows very poor taste. In my leagues it is understood that relaying signs to the hitter is off limits. The problem is that we only play once or twice a week so our signs are very basic. I would hate to see my catcher get hurt because he was expecting a different pitch. When you look at it from that perspective then you see that stealing signs can be a safety risk.
You make a good point. When our catcher was 12 I talked with him about runners on second stealing signs and how to stop that. He told me he was already doing that for over a year. So a catcher who is attuned to the game figured this out all on himself when he was 11 years old and knew how to communicate with a picture about multiple signs. Without ever being taught. Obviously this may be a special case with a special catcher, but I don't personally think that it's that complicated. And at this age even a cross-up pitch is not that serious since they're not throwing very hard to begin with. All that, and I still think that the catcher safety is obviously very important. And I had not thought about it in that perspective until your comment, so maybe the rule in Little League isn't a bad idea.
With the glare can't tell where it was when it crossed the plate. Catcher caught it 5 inches outside but with a lefty pitcher throwing 3/4 could have crossed the plate close enough to call a strike.
Definitely not a strike. And No, you don’t expand the plate. For an ump being such a stickler for the rules to call a team for stealing signs.....perhaps the ump should be a stickler for the rules of balls and strikes.
It’s a part of baseball and there is no cheating figuring out another team’s strategy. Smart on the coach to teach his team something that gave them an advantage.
@@wereallscrewed9714 No, I am not on crack. Are you? There is no runner on 2nd base during the commentary. I think you've been doing too much Meth or Crack.
Little League is not COMPETITIVE baseball. It is REC baseball and has no place for sign stealing. Unfortunately, comp baseball has bled into Little League and has tainted the game. I couldn't agree more with the unsportsmanlike rule LLI has implemented.
Its one thing to see a tell and tell your teammates but stealing of signs is unsportsmanlike and i never did it and never had a coach mention stealing signs
As a first base coach, I would pick signs for our batters. When the opposition coaches or catchers would catch on, they would stop broadcasting their signs to the whole diamond. It made them better catchers, and if it didn't, we'd take advantage. It's part of the game.
Sign stealing and relaying have alway been part of baseball. In high school, my team got pretty good at picking up signs relayed by the coaches to the players. When they knew we were on to them, they changed the signals. Rinse, lather, repeat. If you are a mediocre hitting right fielder like I was, you learn to add value in different ways. IMO using technology crosses the line.
The toughest thing about stealing signs is to actually have faith in the one who is giving them. It's part of the game. However, as you rise into more competitive levels. This practice will get you one in the ear. What should be taught at this level are basic fundamentals that can be polished over the years. If you have these skills by the time it comes to signing a bonus or a commitment to a D1 school. Trust me they can fine tune your game. But in essence, let the kids have fun and play the game. It's all about them. And give the kid credit on second base. He's got baseball sense. A student of the game if you will. Can't teach that... If the opposing coach was prepared he could of had a pickoff play for sign stealers. Just don't complicate the game with stupid unneeded rules. Let the kids have fun. Let them lace em up. Get the uniform dirty. And let them play the game they love. This of course is my opinion and my own personal experience.
I wanted to add this and at the same time I don't want to come across as a purveyor of cheating. If a team is loose with their signal calling. Then with all do respect its open season. But there are other ways to get an idea of whats coming to you as a hitter when you're in the box. Pitchers tip or give away whats coming. Observe them when they warm.up. Does he tuck his glove on an off speed pitch. Does it fly open on the heat. You're a complete pitcher not a thrower when it's the same everytime. And most importantly when you hit your spots. And an easy way for a runner on second base that's confident he has the signals. He can start by an indicator such as taking his helmet off and the batter seeing him in between pitches. The batter then acknowledges by taking his helmet off wiping his forehead. Now the key here is he can't give location. But as he leads off second base if its an off speed pitch he can lead off bending over. A fastball lead off standing straight up. This is a basic strategy teams can implement against teams with loose signal calling. I wanted to put this in because this is one way its done. Again in a higher level this can be painful. So make 100 percent sure you know what you're doing or the guy that's at the plate and yourself will be twins with red ears. Lol...
I agree it was handled correctly, whether there was stealing signs or not, and the manager of New Hampshire should have not said anything about it after it was handled. Edit: And I don't mind sign stealing...it is easy enough to overcome. We did it this way: 1. Catcher flashes a 1,2, or 3 fingers. That is indicating which sign is real. The catcher then shows three signs very quickly. The pitcher uses the sign based on the first signal and ignores the other two. If they are really good at it, the pitcher ignores the catchers hand signal and uses the sign based on the number of times the catch closes their glove or slams their fist into it when setting up (1, 2 or 3 times).
i don’t agree with the rule but i think the umpire did a great job because it seems like the runner may or may not have been doing that. so he did the smart thing and warned them to stop. there was no problems after that. the coach is completely wrong for going to the media. if he wants his kids to play at any higher level, EVEN MIDDLESCHOOL, they are going to have to deal with this. Great video by the way
No he didn't rules state after the warning they must eject the player the team was already warned the player should have been ejected and the manager too because players don't steal signs on their own with out being taught to.
Stealing signs is part of the game. The defense needs to do a better job of masking their intentions or calls, primarily through coaching the battery on how to conceal their true signs. Poor sportsmanship on the losing coach afterwards as it appears it was handled properly in the game. And if they winning team truly stopped relaying signs at the time of the warning, there was plenty of time left in the game for either team to go out and win the game.
I’m glad you called out this coach and his crying about something so minor. The ump prevent officiated the infraction and it didn’t hurt the game at all. There has been a trend of coaches becoming more and more intolerant and it’s hurting the game. I call a lot of select teams and the coaches are really rough around the edges and teach bad habits to their kids. It’s starting to translate to the high school game.
So….you agree that signs were being stolen from your post since you called it minor. You want the coaches to become more tolerant towards sign stealing. Got it.
@@Talkinsports91 Normally, you're correct; probably where he learned his large zone. But these are the very best 12-year old all-stars pitching only 46'. They can throw strikes all day long. But hey, as long as the umpire is consistent with the big zone, it's fair to both sides.
My HS coach taught us how to give signs by where the catcher placed his glove. It had nothing to do with the bare hand flashing signs. If the glove was on top of the knee--fastball. If the glove was placed on the inside of the knee--curveball, etc. We never had a problem with sign stealing.
Now why steal their freezy pops? Don’t you know that will give them all a complex for the rest of their lives and send them to psycho doctors? “Mr. Meanie coach stole all our freezy pops when I was 6/7. BooHoo, I want my Mommy” ~ Former Girl rec softball player in the year 2045
I think at the level these kids are playing (development years) stealing signs seems to take away the focus on how to develop and flourish skills. If you are playing for 1 millions bucks or something I'd understand, but little league games results rarely show to be more important than the experience.
Coach I’m sorry your team was out played , and out coached ! Plain and simple. Congratulations to your players for going as far as they did. Shame on you for tarnishing their achievements!
When I was playing competitive ball in the '90s, we were taught that if we were on second and we could see that the catcher wasn't protecting his signs that we could alert the batters to what was coming. It's just smart baseball. Besides, the batter still has to hit it.
Our District Umpire Coordinator had a saying: "Don't trouble trouble til trouble troubles you." In other words, don't go looking for trouble. If a coach expresses a concern, DEAL WITH IT.⚾️
When my sons were younger I coached baseball for 11 years and I can tell you that stealing signs happened all the time. I got around it by doing exactly what the video says and having the catcher give the pitcher three signs.
In the mid 90s I played on a 13 year old little league team and we made it to the state championship game and the other team clobbered us. They were clearly stealing signs. We tried to change them, but our catcher couldn't even remember them and could barely make the hand gestures. It was a great time though. One of our pitcher, and my friend ended up being drafted by the White Sox after high school. 3rd pick, 3rd round. He only made it to double A though.
You guys played really well. You had a great team! Not many kids get to play on ESPN like that. Hope you have mostly great memories. Good luck with your future baseball.
But they didn't relay signs in any of the games they played. Being accused is not the same thing as doing it. I got all the games on video and it's clear there was no relaying of signs.
Having umpired for district 1 in the state of NH and having BEEN at this game watching it from the stands and seeing it all occur this one incident is NOT the only incident of the RI team relaying signs. Its my understanding that earlier in the week these two teams played and NH won, but after the game it was noted to the officials that in that game NH had complained after the game that the RI players were relaying signs. Now fast Fwd to this game you are showing and you showed one of like 3 instances where it happened in the game and the other two were clear as day sitting in the stands. Which is not the same thru ESPN’s video coverage you do not see it all. So with that said next time be at the game and not watching video of it to really make a judgement. To note The rule book, and I have 3 of them as well as a digital copy for 2019, said “SHALL EJECT”. It said absolutely NOTHING about warning the team. This commentator who made this video really needs to go back and read the rules from the proper year book and section. Recall this is tournament play and a tournament rule so that’s the section you will find it under. I also know some of the back ground stuff from what was said to the plate umpire. What it all boils down to is that rule was changed last year or year before to be added to tourney play as it has been complained about. In the wording they never originally added the option to warn until after this happened. The rule change to be able to warn was added to the 2020 rule book. To note the kid that was at 2nd that got the warning was the pitcher. If he and the coach were ejected. No one knows where the game would have went from that. But to say the coach complaining to the media is pitiful. NO he is not He is sticking up for his team and putting forth something that in his opinion and A LOT of other peoples opinion was an incorrect way to handle the issue. The rules are the rules and they felt they were not followed. Guess what the rule got changed. Personally for me not in a good way either. There needs to be slightly better wording on it in my opinion. Needless to say crappy narration of the actual problem
So obviously you know what you're talking about. They did add in 2020 that a warning should be issued first. But what you are forgetting is that the first year they added this rule, they said that a warning should be issued first. Furthermore you can clearly hear in the video that the tournament director or the umpire in Chief tells the umpire that he should issue a warning. That is the heart of the rule and has always been that way. It is true that in 2019, the warning did not appear in the rule book, but it is always been what should be done because you can't assume that the pitch is being relayed by the runner on second base. If you would like I can show you every time a runner from Rhode island is on second base. and if you see every single time a runner from Rhode island is on second base you will be convinced that, as a team, they were not stealing and relaying signs. And like I said in this video, it's possible that some, maybe one or two kids on this team, relayed signs, but there is no way that they all were. There is literally no consistency whatsoever. And if you were at the game and had some additional information, none of that is privy to me. Nowhere did the New Hampshire team say that they alerted anyone prior to what is seen in this video. And thanks for commenting! My only concern is what is said to the media to malign kids. That's reprehensible no matter what is the truth on the field.
As a catcher, I was taught to change the sequence anytime anyone was on second, and shield the sign from 1st and 3rd, beginning in farm league and nailed it down in little league. This isn’t a new concept, and that NH coach is a crybaby
nah u don’t know what ur talking about his knees were closed gloves dropped he’s doing everything right he’s trying to prevent the coaches and runners on both sides of the diamond from knowing what’s coming if he’s trynna keep the runner on second from knowing the pitch therefore the pitcher can’t even see what he’s supposed to throw get ur facts right
As a little leaguer, we were taught to steal signs. It taught us to pay attention to every pitch at bat and when running the bases. When I was pitcher or catcher, we would talk about just what you said. When pitching, depending on what sign I gave the catcher, that was the indicator for when he was to give me the real sign. Before we walked out of the dugout, I would say hands or feet, then I would stand nearer a base on the mound. At the same time I would do something else with my hands, so my signal could be, standing behind the rubber was the second sign, but I may flip my glove toward first, that would mean, the first sign. We predetermined which it was when we walked out with the feet or hand call. These would vary from inning to inning along with along with the indicator. Some times the catcher would give the indicator and I would call the pitch. Stealing signs is a way to make the kids pay attention, however, it should be between the runners and the batter, the dugout should not help.
That is a great story bud, we all pretty much know the value of teaching kids to understand every aspect of the game. But, it has nothing to do with this case of cheating. Either you agree with teaching kids to cheat or you missed the part about sign stealing being illegal in the LLWS.
Lol in highschool one of our kids figured out their steal and bunt sign and started yelling “watch the bunt” “watch the steal” so we knew what was coming.
I've always liked when my players do it, it's part of the game. At 12u it is a little much but as long as the coaches aren't the ones relaying the signs I see no issue. We are supposed to be teaching them the game and preparing them for HS ball. Coach was salty and set a bad example by whining about it
Corin LaLiberty It’s a GREAT way to keep players on the bench fully engaged in the game if they are attempting to crack the coach’s signs to the catcher. We had guys do this in high school AND in Division 1 college baseball. Some were absolute WIZARDS!
The term "stealing signs" is in popular parlance, but the practice is more accurately labeled decoding signs and relaying what you have decoded by your own set of signs, which themselves can be decoded. There is nothing unsportsmanlike about it. I umpired Little League for 33 seasons. This ruled was implemented after I retired. It calls for the umpire to read intent on any particular bit of body language of a runner at second base. If I were still umpiring, I would pretend that the rule wasn't there, and, if pressed by a defensive team's manager, I would say, "Sorry, Coach, I'm not seeing it."
Yeah I agree with coaching players to have multiple sets of signs. I think stealing signs happens alot less than what people think but it still happens. Also that catcher was getting set up WAY TOO EARLY. The batter could have easily peaked or herd the catcher set up way outside and get his arms extended. Set up as the pitch is coming or right before not before you give the sign
As a catcher, I'd tell the hitter to knock it off or the next pitch would be in his ear. Sometimes I'd call time and yell it to the pitcher that they were stealing signs so that everyone on the field heard it. Then I'd proceed to rag on the hitter after every pitch.
@3:54 After the coached talked to the players. The runner on second has his hands behind his back, He’s making sure, no one can accuse him of giving signals to the batter
Great video! This new rule is setting up for catchers in little league for failure. Next year they’ll be giving one sign when they’re 13 with runners on second and they’ll get eaten alive with runners picking up their signs
The problem with stealing signs being allowed in little league is that the appropriate response to such action (drilling a batter) is generally frowned upon.
Minority opinion here: if stealing signs is against the league rules, and the team's coach was teaching (or allowing) them to steal signs, it WAS dishonorable and unsportsmanlike.
In college we would figure out the signs at 2b and had a way to relay them to the hitter. Once they had two strikes we did nothing so as to not mess up the hitter. I was also a catcher and one game we were playing either Mississippi State or LSU and runner on second base was doing a bunch of different motions that were not natural - Pretty easy to pick up if you know what to look for. Typically it’s an arm gesture, a touch to the helmet, or the hands go to the knees or down front. Easiest way to confirm is to put down a fake sign which means nothing and the pitcher knows that is not a pitch, and then you read the runner at second base to see if they change up their motions which means you’ve caught onto them. At that point I tell the batter he better signal to his buddy at 2b to quit giving him signs for the next pitch will be in his jersey. Usually I would just put down a fist with the thumb pointing at the hitter. I would at least provide a courtesy to the hitter and tell him to duck.😉 usually there are no other problems after that happens.
Little league needs to repeal this rule. Stealing signs is in no way shape or form unsporting behavior, its part of the game. If your signs were stolen then you change your signs instead of crying, its that simple.
Maybe the second base running should turn his back-lol,,that’s baseball, you got a guy behind you relaying messages, pitcher and catcher has to make adjustments. Now if you have a camera behind the pitcher and relaying messages, that’s unethical
It's happened for ever. We never did it, but we also didn't use a lot of signs, I used to joke that the sign for steal was, GO GO GO. We played a team one time that wore the wrist bands like NFL quarterbacks, so the basically had three different signs for the same pitch or play. So maybe 1, 3, 8 were all fast ball, they could actually just yell it out. Now this was not a LL tournament so I'm not sure what the rule would be on it and I've actually never seen it again.
WAIT.... clarification, did HE go to the media with this... or did the media go to him and ask him about the situation? HUGE difference! He's allowed to respond if a reporter asks him about something.
Why is it that so many who view these are sticklers about the RULES, mostly umpires, yet they ignore the HORRIBLE ball and strike calls at this level? Look at the pitch at 1:47,,,what a joke that a kid that size is suppose to cover that pitch with his bat.
In little League all-stars my coach detected that the other team was stealing signs.... as the catcher he told me to do multiple signs and go by first, second, or third touch...... Simple baseball knowledge. We lost and never heard another word from my coach. He taught and didn't complain about it
Depends on the hitter. There are some guys that do not want to know the signs. Pete Rose stated he never wanted to be signed, but he said Johnny Bench would welcome it.
Based on some comments, an update. 1) After watching two full games with RI and seeing every time a runner was on 2nd base, it was clear that the team was NOT stealing and relaying signs. It’s possible, but not conclusive, that maybe one or two players may have at most. NH said they were “clapping” but the clapping started prior to the catcher giving the sign...sooo, can’t be that. 2) YES, kids this age steal and relay signs WITHOUT coaches even knowing. They are not typically taught. It doesn’t take a genius to observe the catcher’s sign when on 2nd and realize, “Hey, if I could tell lil Yonny that it’s a curveball, I bet he’d not strike out.” 3) This video was in que before RI even reached Williamsport. I DELAYED the release to spare them anymore publicity while still playing, and waited until the LOWEST view month of the year. I didn’t care to make this a big deal, just wanted to share my disgust with a coach that would publicly malign a bunch of children.
Stealing signs is a part of baseball, as long as it’s not electronically. It’s been around as long as the game has. What’s the big deal?
How hard would it be for the Asst coach to workout a system with the catcher a week before the first game???? When a runner gets on 2nd - I touch my mask it’s the 1st sign - I touch my chest it’s the 2nd sign - I touch my shin guard it’s the 3rd sign. Gotta give more than 1 sign it’s not cheating if runner can figure out 1 sign.
@@davidbarry1130 The big deal is that it is against Little League rules and the coaches knew it. If they were doing it and were caught, then they get the punishment that the rule book specifies. It's not hard to understand. This isn't the Major Leagues so don't try to use the same standards or rule to judge.
@@Swordsfor200Alex How hard would it be for the coaches to simply follow the rules and tell their players to do the same? it certainly is cheating when someone knowingly breaks the rules (and don't try to tell me that coaches don't know when their players are doing it). If the rules say "Don't steal signs", then don't steal signs. With that rule in place, it shouldn't be necessary for the other coach to work out a system with the catcher. I have no idea if they were really stealing signs in that video, by the way. Just making a general statement.
@@patrickmorgan4006 You are absolutely correct. However, the point of the video was how the losing coach maligned the team that won publicly in the media. What's worse? Kid's relaying signs (if they did they likely didn't know it was against Little League rules. I umpire LL and run into this issue quite a bit and players don't usually know. And coaches don't know their players are doing it, typically.) Was it okay for that coach to go to the media and make those comments?
I heard the Houston Astros offered the kid on 2nd base a contract after the game lol...
Well using buzzers and cameras is a huge difference then little leagues kids clapping and giving signs
Mi Ri fax!
cazzie Ψ relax bud. do you have any sort of sense of humor?
cazzie Ψ Yea bruh u need to take a chill pill bc it was a joke 😂
I know the pitcher on New Hampshire Lafond he lives in my neighborhood
One of the greatest lessons taught in youth sports is how to play within a set of rules and be successful at it. Our prisons are loaded with people who never got the message. If a coach doesn't like a rule they can protest and work to get it changed or quit. One of the greatest joys an old guy like me gets from watching youth sports is knowing they are not just having fun but being taught valuable life lessons that will contribute to their success as an adult. Yeah, ok watching them just be kids is fun too. Love baseball!
Agreed. I coached for over thirty years. We always preached that we weren't here to make baseball players. Any coach who claims he is, is lying to himself and his ego. If we were there to make baseball players all coaches fail. We felt our number one priority was to teach honesty and ethics they can take with them through their lives. We told them we preferred honest people to smart people. We told kids prisons are filled with smart people, but aren't filled with honesr people, although there may be a few honest people in jail. So, the best trait to be known by is to be honest and ethical. I still hear from kids who talk about the fun and lessons they learned as children on the teams I coached.
It's funny how your talking about all sports when there just baseball. And prison, people like you are the prudes. You must be a Karen because your pushing something that wasn't needed. Most people who run the world never played sports. But way to give bad advice, sports don't only make a good person. All kids learn these skills already from the gym.
@@Mark-pe2sh So if you coached honesty and ethical awarnessl I'm sure you didn't vote for TRE45ON in 16 or 20. The example of a Bully with "my way or the highway" type diplomacy who lied about losing and may have been the worst sore loser in U S history is definitely not what I would call a positive role model or someone I'd want any kid admiring and trying to imitate or look up too!
@@Mark-pe2sh bs steal sign to. as a fencer and master I listen to the other coach and relay it to the fencer - all good. its not cheating
@@calsportsclub it may not be cheating in fencing, but it’s not very sporting.
What's next defense isn't allowed to look at third base coach when he's giving signs?
As a little league coach myself I'd always watch the 3rd base coach of the other team, and if their signs were overly simple and repetitive I'd use it to my advantage, it helps knowing a bunt or steal is coming, but honestly I can't think of one time it was ever game changing.
2A Forever Exactly. I used to call a pitchout if I ever thought a third base coach was giving a steal sign. That’s just baseball.
If you're good enough, you don't need to look at the third base coach for any signs. I was a little league catcher back in the day, and the only time I had to pay attention was when the pitcher was pitching and if someone was stealing a base. I hardly had anyone steal on me and when they tried, I got them out. Also, if you have teammates also paying attention, they can help by yelling "stealer" (if the batter is blocking 3rd or 1st base or if the pitcher is blocking the runner at 2nd). I personally think these "stealing sign" practices are ridiculous and merely means you're not as good as you think you are if you have to resort to it.
We had a coach in our Pony league that when on defense would yell stuff to the second baseman that was only meant to distract the runner at 2nd and to have him shorten their lead off. Not really sure if it's against the Pony rules, but the umpire told him to stop it and it shamed the guy some.
If you know how to give signs, nobody should be able to figure them out except he who knows the key. If you understand what I just said you know I am right.
Anyone else notice how far outside that 0-0 called strike was with runners on corners? I would be livid if i was at bat
Outside corner, little league strike zone
Welcome to LL.. and you would not want to get tossed here by getting livid... an EJ in little league comes with a mandatory 1 game suspension on top of it. So you'd lose the rest of this game and all of the next. You also have to be wary of the camera angles.. that pitch may not be a far outside as it looks... you're way over to the right more than you'd be on an MLB equivalent camera. So some of those outside pitches... are not as far outside as they appear on TV...
@@ronpeacock9939 based on the catcher's glove position and tracking the ball it was outside. Having stated this, it's little league baseball and bigger strike zone is good for the game. Baseball is a hitter's game, swing the bat.
@@Mark-pe2sh Believe me, I know... I did so much little league games as an umpire for about 12 years including numerous state championships and 1 regional. I was complimented often for my strikezone at the lower levels for it being big enough for the pitchers to hit it.. but small enough the batters could still hit it. (though I never did a state championship at those lower levels. All are for softball and baseball on large diamond..)
A foot outside.... minimum 😂
Only difference Astro’s is they have a imaginary person on second all the time.
It’s called a camera
Exactly! It's always been perfectly fine if players use their eyes or their ears to "steal" signs from the other team. It's the other team's responsibility to safeguard their signs. But it's another thing entirely to go beyond that and install cameras, or mirrors, or electronic listening devices to steal signs.
@Eetzjuss Toogood That's nonsense.
Stealing signs is part of baseball. From the littlest of little leagues to the majors. Great video!
It's part of the Asterisk's repitoire of winning championships.
TruthfulImmigrant nah stealing signs by using a camera in the outfield is a HUGE difference than being a smart player or coach that figures out through the game what the signs are. That’s why people are even more pissed yes sign stealing is a part of the game but you don’t using a fucking camera to do it
Whether it's learning signals or audibles u get taught that from the first time u start playing sports...and yes using a camera is taking g it to another level...lol
@George Ybarra u must've played any sports.
It is against little league rules though so it is cheating on little league the team should be ashamed that they had to cheat to win. That player should have been ejected as the rules state as a warning was already given.
I don’t particularly like the rule myself
If you can figure it out without technology you should be able to know them
I agree this rule will serve to hurt pitchers and catchers in the future. After little league there is no rule so these kids need to learn now how to protect their signs with a runner at second.
Protecting against a camera and trash can that’s a whole different issue.
If a parent off the field or coach is involved I would not approve but if a 10-12 year old can figure it out and communicate to his teammates great for them.
A few years ago a MLB color analyst realized that the other team’s starter was telegraphing a particular pitch, I think everyone in the stadium knew it, does this silly rule cover players sharing this type of info?
I think it's a rule for player safety. Mixing up signs can be very dangerous and you don't want to see a catcher who's only recently learned how to catch breaking balls get a fastball unexpectedly
They will be taught.how to. By the time these kids are on college they won't even use hand signals. If they told me they were stealing sign I would of beaned them. It's called Karma. It's a rule. No wonder most kids cry like babies during games. Because there coach is a baby.
I was a catcher in LL back in 1984, even back then we changed the sign up when runners got to 2st. That’s part of baseball ⚾️. The coach was a bad looser.
My catcher and I in high school had a ridiculous system that required so much math it hurt your brain 😂 never had signs stolen of me while I was pitching, I will say when I picked up on a teams signs while on second base we had subtle tip offs to each other and never made it noticeable. Not our fault we were smart enough to figure it out.
You should've continued your education.
You learned to change the signs because the other teams (and it sounds like your team as well) were cheating. That isn't legal in LL or the LLWS. The coach in question might well be a bad loser because the opponents were cheating. It is hard to accept losing to cheaters (does 2020 bring anything to mind?). It would appear that your coach (and many others) were cheaters as well. I guess that is something to be proud of these days. I see no honor in it and a good portion of the country is recognizing the results of that mentality. FJB
2nd
That ump looks like he's right out of the big leagues.
Because he’s obese?
Astros: that kid knows what it takes to win championships
See I don’t think reading signs like that is cheating. I think that’s just being smart. If you can see them with your eyes and not using technology then I think it’s fair game
0:35 but according to the rule it is cheating
Connor Starnes I know I’m just saying I don’t think it should be considered cheating
I 100% agree. It is pitiful that Little League is doing this.
Is a corresponding 65mph fastball from an early bloomer 5'10" 12-yr old intentionally thrown at your kid from 46' away equally fair game if he was observed picking signs? What if him honestly wiping the sweat out of his eyes just after a catcher puts the signs down results in him getting dotted by said fb?
Corey Duberstein no 12 twelve year old is gonna be throwing at the batter if they know the signs from the runner on second. People don’t get mad in the MLB if they’re naturally stealing signs like this
I’m from barrington and I find this truly awe full, play a clean game like in the old days and grow up. How hard is that, it’s more fun to play clean
Totally agree that the defense can make it more difficult to steal signs. But, c’mon. It’s Little League. Let the kids play without adults trying to relive their childhood.
...and allowing them to play without cheating (so the coach can brag about how he won).
At 4:47 we see the same kid do the same thing again, just using a different signalling system. He watches the sign, nods his head up and down for the batter, to indicate he should swing at this pitch; then bounces his head a couple times as he looks away, hoping the umpire won't catch him at it. Then, at 4:54 the kid on 2nd holds his hands out towards the batter as if to say "Why didn't you swing?" Very well coached on stealing signs. All this, but I don't agree with going to the media. It only shames the kids on the team, who work hard.
When I caught I would put down four or five signs. We had an indicator, the sign after the indicator was the call. We changed the indicator often. No one stole our signs. If I thought someone was trying I would have my pitcher put one between his numbers. That’s part of baseball as well. At least it used to be.
I wish my LL team had advanced to the point where I could call signs. Our pitchers just threw whatever.
Patrick Peters that can be dangerous
These are Little League kids. The concept of stealing signs should never have been presented to them and should have been rejected immediately because it is cheating.
@@jeanpreston4142 its not cheating. thats why catchers rotate signs and throw down multiple signs
Picking up signs has been part of the game forever
Highly illegal in LL
dj manning not where I play. I don’t relay them but when I’m in seconds I look at the signs and if it’s off speed I get a bigger secondary cause more likely it will be lower in the zone or maybe in the dirt where the catcher can’t handle itv
@@DM-sc9rg Only because they made it a rule in 2019.
I think at this level of the game, development of skills and the special relationships are more important than the score.
Its part of the game. But part of the game is also disguising your stealing of signs. Dont be a dumbass
These are great videos.
Stealing signs is part of the game, bellyaching after a loss to a better team is not supposed to be. Especially with youth ball. This coach needs someone to talk to him about sportsmanship.
No, someone needs to talk to you about sportsmanship - "Especially in youth ball" - or maybe you don't understand the meaning of "sign stealing" is illegal in the LLWS?
The people who designed the workings of little league baseball decided that we should be teaching our kids things like "sportsmanship" and integrity - not cheating the system. or any other cheating for that matter.
That coach might be bellyaching but that generally happens when you get cheated. Oh, I forgot - we can't talk about being cheated (even though we have been) anymore lest we be accused of treason and jailed without due justice.
You have the makings of a great liberal democrat.
1:47 was called a strike. . . thats a terrible call
It’s little league. Strike zones are very inconsistent and the Umps are volunteers.
Little league strike zones are huge so they are forced to swing the bat if not it would be nonstop walks
This reminds me when I was a kid and they stole my sign "LET'S GO METS" at Shea
who? XD
Did their stealing your sign give them an advantage? Probably not, it being the Mets😉
imagine having a itch on the back of your neck and the umpire thinks its a sign
The Astros would like to:
Know your location
Stealing signs is a part of the game. It's not cheating, it's smart. Also, if your signs are easy enough to steal, it's your fault.
Edit: I do not condone stealing signs with technology, but if there is a runner on second base the catcher should at least put a couple signs down so that the player on second base cannot relay the sign.
Must be a Astros fan .
S O F T T E A R S well, stealing signs without using technology is cheating. The Astros cheated not by stealing signs, but by using technology to steal signs.
World War III Veteran I completely agree!
Teaching cheating is the issue. Kids usually dont even think of it. The adults are a holes
@@nobogiedr Actually kids do think of it. When Little League banned it coaches started to have to explain to kids that it wasn't allowed. They are much smarter than you're giving credit. When they are on second and see, "oh look, he's throwing a curve ball" and then the batter strikes out.... Light bulb comes on!
The kids and the team were a class act when they were there. I go every year. The Eastern Regional runs a great tournament. Sometimes disappointment gets the better of you as just being human. He did a great job coaching and the kids loved him. We should let it go. A hiccup on a nice day. Not even noticeable and quickly forgotten Play on.
are you talking about the new hampshire team or rhode island?
Teach the game that’s the game don’t make more rules TEACH THE GAME
“I trust in God, I love my Country, and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose, I will always do my best”. LL pledge...I memorized it as a 12 yo in 1973 and for some reason it’s stuck with me. Its a sentiment instilled in me and my three brothers by our incredible father who helped establish the LL, Pony League, Senior League and Colt League programs in our community back in the late 50’s (my oldest bro is 11 years my senior) and into the mid 70’s as I aged. I eventually coached my son for 8 years in a non-LL sanctioned program. I recited that pledge to my players and parents every year and would not have stood for sign stealing on the part of my kids. I learned I couldn’t control any behavior the other coach encouraged or allowed, but if it was against the defined rules...then it would have been addressed, no question. I don’t believe I would have done what the losing coach did, but to call him “pathetic” and “a disgrace” seems pretty harsh to me (even though those words are thrown around too liberally anymore, in my opinion). I’d assign that language to the rule breakers. Play and coach fair, for goodness’ sake...our children are watching.
It was obvious to me upon rewatching this ,the kid appeared to be reading and relaying signs. So the umpire does what SHOULD be done. He confers with an official then tells the coach to warn the base runner. Why that coach cried about it afterwords is beyond me.
His Brother-In-Law was visiting for the game, so if he beat his wife like he usually would have, he would have gotten his a$$ kicked.
THAT PITCHER IS AT 27 YEARS OLD..
As a youth coach (baseball, softball, and football), we tend to teach what our kids will probably my face within the rules of our league. If sign stealing is expressly forbidden then we wouldn’t waste time on signal systems, instead we would use that time to work on other skills.
I don’t necessarily agree with this rule, but it’s probably designed to help kids and coaches focus on other aspects of baseball rather than developing signal systems. Not that it takes up a lot a time, but we never have enough time to teach our kids everything we want them to learn.
Yes that's one thing the video misses. Sign-stealing was banned in the tournament, so why would you waste time with extra signs, especially since there's always at least a small chance of a cross-up?
...so what you are saying is that teaching kids the concept of integrity is of low priority now. I would think you would put that first - my bad, that isn't what you teach kids anymore.
Just play the game and worry about all the other crap when you start signing checks. That is the only sign they should worry about
Kid on second made it so obvious he was relaying signs.
Which tells me it was probably decided on the spot by the kid and not a coached system. If a coach would have set it up it would have been hands on knees for a breaking ball, hands at sides for a fastball or something less obvious.
@@davidmayberry3190 I agree....both coaches pretty much suck it seems....
@@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy my comment had nothing to do with implying the coaches "suck", in fact you have to be a pretty good coach to make it that far. My point was simply that the kids decided to steal and relay signs on their own because if a coach told them or coached them on how to do it it wouldn't have been obvious, but not coaching kids to steal signs doesn't make you a bad coach.
I played baseball, as a pitcher and outfielder, from LL thru college. Stealing signs was a part of the game. It was never considered cheating. As a pitcher, I knew that for a particular game there would be an indicator sign, false signs, etc. As an outfielder, we had to know the signs for where to throw the ball back if it is hit to us, which side of the base, etc.There were signs from the 3rd base coach to the hitter, to the 1st base coach. Signs all over the place! It could get pretty complicated. But in competition, you’re always looking for an advantage. Those people whining about cheaters obviously never play the game except in your backyard. Learn the game or shut up.
The description of your odyssey through time and baseball is entertaining. The problem is that the issue here is the rules that pertain to the LLWS. Those people "whining about cheaters" are correct. Maybe you are only remembering your days of playing in your backyard - "obviously" - not your days, if ever, involved in a LLWS event or you would know that stealing signs is illegal.
You might want to review your knowledge of "the game" before you show your ignorance again (or shut up).
"You aren't learning anything when you are talking"- I don't remember where I heard that quote but I try to keep it in mind.
Stealing signs and doing something like the astros are completely different 😂
My fav team is the astros but they cheated bad with the trash can and the camera
Why can't the MLB hire umpires with this level of thought and professionalism?
Stealing of signs is “unsportsmanlike” it’s part of the game and if people are stealing your signs you should change them. Last year I figured out an opposing teams steal sign in the 2nd inning so I knew when they were going every time so I could help my teammate I wasn’t starting that game.
It's not part of the game when the rules of the league say that stealing signs is illegal
I agree that complaining to the media shows very poor taste. In my leagues it is understood that relaying signs to the hitter is off limits. The problem is that
we only play once or twice a week so our signs are very basic. I would hate to see my catcher get hurt because he was expecting a different pitch. When you
look at it from that perspective then you see that stealing signs can be a safety risk.
You make a good point. When our catcher was 12 I talked with him about runners on second stealing signs and how to stop that. He told me he was already doing that for over a year. So a catcher who is attuned to the game figured this out all on himself when he was 11 years old and knew how to communicate with a picture about multiple signs. Without ever being taught. Obviously this may be a special case with a special catcher, but I don't personally think that it's that complicated. And at this age even a cross-up pitch is not that serious since they're not throwing very hard to begin with. All that, and I still think that the catcher safety is obviously very important. And I had not thought about it in that perspective until your comment, so maybe the rule in Little League isn't a bad idea.
@@MJHBaseball For the young kids it's less of an issue. When you have a 30 year old on the mound throwing in the 80's it's a totally different thing.
1:49 he called that a strike?!?
Yes he did call that a strike. Five inches off the plate outside....Strike!
you gotta give kids these ages 3 inches or so off the plate on either side, even in the LLWS.
@@newlifebb4ldwrs no you don't. that is why there is a plate.
With the glare can't tell where it was when it crossed the plate. Catcher caught it 5 inches outside but with a lefty pitcher throwing 3/4 could have crossed the plate close enough to call a strike.
Definitely not a strike. And No, you don’t expand the plate. For an ump being such a stickler for the rules to call a team for stealing signs.....perhaps the ump should be a stickler for the rules of balls and strikes.
It’s a part of baseball and there is no cheating figuring out another team’s strategy.
Smart on the coach to teach his team something that gave them an advantage.
1:27 - there are not "runners on second." 1:44 - case in point.
Are you on crack, runner advanced to 2nd on the wild pitch
@@wereallscrewed9714 No, I am not on crack. Are you? There is no runner on 2nd base during the commentary. I think you've been doing too much Meth or Crack.
Little League is not COMPETITIVE baseball. It is REC baseball and has no place for sign stealing. Unfortunately, comp baseball has bled into Little League and has tainted the game. I couldn't agree more with the unsportsmanlike rule LLI has implemented.
It sure is competitive when you reach the little league world series level.
Don't tell 12 year olds that.
Just heard that the kid got signed to the Astros
Its one thing to see a tell and tell your teammates but stealing of signs is unsportsmanlike and i never did it and never had a coach mention stealing signs
As a first base coach, I would pick signs for our batters. When the opposition coaches or catchers would catch on, they would stop broadcasting their signs to the whole diamond. It made them better catchers, and if it didn't, we'd take advantage. It's part of the game.
Sign stealing and relaying have alway been part of baseball. In high school, my team got pretty good at picking up signs relayed by the coaches to the players. When they knew we were on to them, they changed the signals. Rinse, lather, repeat. If you are a mediocre hitting right fielder like I was, you learn to add value in different ways. IMO using technology crosses the line.
Go back far enough and spiking the shortstop had "always been a part of baseball."
Things change, very often for the better.
The toughest thing about stealing signs is to actually have faith in the one who is giving them. It's part of the game. However, as you rise into more competitive levels. This practice will get you one in the ear. What should be taught at this level are basic fundamentals that can be polished over the years. If you have these skills by the time it comes to signing a bonus or a commitment to a D1 school. Trust me they can fine tune your game. But in essence, let the kids have fun and play the game. It's all about them. And give the kid credit on second base. He's got baseball sense. A student of the game if you will. Can't teach that... If the opposing coach was prepared he could of had a pickoff play for sign stealers. Just don't complicate the game with stupid unneeded rules. Let the kids have fun. Let them lace em up. Get the uniform dirty. And let them play the game they love. This of course is my opinion and my own personal experience.
I wanted to add this and at the same time I don't want to come across as a purveyor of cheating. If a team is loose with their signal calling. Then with all do respect its open season. But there are other ways to get an idea of whats coming to you as a hitter when you're in the box. Pitchers tip or give away whats coming. Observe them when they warm.up. Does he tuck his glove on an off speed pitch. Does it fly open on the heat. You're a complete pitcher not a thrower when it's the same everytime. And most importantly when you hit your spots. And an easy way for a runner on second base that's confident he has the signals. He can start by an indicator such as taking his helmet off and the batter seeing him in between pitches. The batter then acknowledges by taking his helmet off wiping his forehead. Now the key here is he can't give location. But as he leads off second base if its an off speed pitch he can lead off bending over. A fastball lead off standing straight up. This is a basic strategy teams can implement against teams with loose signal calling. I wanted to put this in because this is one way its done. Again in a higher level this can be painful. So make 100 percent sure you know what you're doing or the guy that's at the plate and yourself will be twins with red ears. Lol...
I agree it was handled correctly, whether there was stealing signs or not, and the manager of New Hampshire should have not said anything about it after it was handled.
Edit: And I don't mind sign stealing...it is easy enough to overcome. We did it this way: 1. Catcher flashes a 1,2, or 3 fingers. That is indicating which sign is real. The catcher then shows three signs very quickly. The pitcher uses the sign based on the first signal and ignores the other two. If they are really good at it, the pitcher ignores the catchers hand signal and uses the sign based on the number of times the catch closes their glove or slams their fist into it when setting up (1, 2 or 3 times).
i don’t agree with the rule but i think the umpire did a great job because it seems like the runner may or may not have been doing that. so he did the smart thing and warned them to stop. there was no problems after that. the coach is completely wrong for going to the media. if he wants his kids to play at any higher level, EVEN MIDDLESCHOOL, they are going to have to deal with this.
Great video by the way
No he didn't rules state after the warning they must eject the player the team was already warned the player should have been ejected and the manager too because players don't steal signs on their own with out being taught to.
...at a higher level they will hagve to deal with it - cheating as well - but let them play (and be taught how to play) without cheating.
1. Bad Rule
2. Team should have followed Rule
3. Coach should not have whined to the paper
Stealing signs is part of the game. The defense needs to do a better job of masking their intentions or calls, primarily through coaching the battery on how to conceal their true signs. Poor sportsmanship on the losing coach afterwards as it appears it was handled properly in the game. And if they winning team truly stopped relaying signs at the time of the warning, there was plenty of time left in the game for either team to go out and win the game.
When you cry about losing like that you rob your own players of an important learning experience.
Ryan A best comment of the thread.
There's a reason why New Hampshire is called Vermont's cranky pal. How do I know, because I've lived here all my life.
Can we just recognize how many balls the pitcher threw that the Ump called strikes. The runner on 2nd was still bad but so were those pitches.
Some people like to stay on topic. Show some self control. I'm sure there is a video about bad umping.
I’m glad you called out this coach and his crying about something so minor. The ump prevent officiated the infraction and it didn’t hurt the game at all. There has been a trend of coaches becoming more and more intolerant and it’s hurting the game. I call a lot of select teams and the coaches are really rough around the edges and teach bad habits to their kids. It’s starting to translate to the high school game.
So….you agree that signs were being stolen from your post since you called it minor. You want the coaches to become more tolerant towards sign stealing. Got it.
Ump has a huge strike zone.
It's little league if he didn't they would be there forever
@@Talkinsports91 Normally, you're correct; probably where he learned his large zone. But these are the very best 12-year old all-stars pitching only 46'. They can throw strikes all day long. But hey, as long as the umpire is consistent with the big zone, it's fair to both sides.
My HS coach taught us how to give signs by where the catcher placed his glove. It had nothing to do with the bare hand flashing signs. If the glove was on top of the knee--fastball. If the glove was placed on the inside of the knee--curveball, etc. We never had a problem with sign stealing.
I coach 6/7 year old girls Rec softball and I have a kid trained to steal freezy pops from the other teams bench, but no signals
Now why steal their freezy pops? Don’t you know that will give them all a complex for the rest of their lives and send them to psycho doctors? “Mr. Meanie coach stole all our freezy pops when I was 6/7. BooHoo, I want my Mommy” ~ Former Girl rec softball player in the year 2045
@@johnwilliamduke4110 right? He has also created a future serial killer
I think at the level these kids are playing (development years) stealing signs seems to take away the focus on how to develop and flourish skills.
If you are playing for 1 millions bucks or something I'd understand, but little league games results rarely show to be more important than the experience.
Coach I’m sorry your team was out played , and out coached ! Plain and simple. Congratulations to your players for going as far as they did. Shame on you for tarnishing their achievements!
I caught in High School. When I gave the pitcher “signs” (3 of them), the sign was always the one I didn’t give. Nobody ever figured it out.
When I was playing competitive ball in the '90s, we were taught that if we were on second and we could see that the catcher wasn't protecting his signs that we could alert the batters to what was coming. It's just smart baseball. Besides, the batter still has to hit it.
Our District Umpire Coordinator had a saying: "Don't trouble trouble til trouble troubles you."
In other words, don't go looking for trouble.
If a coach expresses a concern, DEAL WITH IT.⚾️
When my sons were younger I coached baseball for 11 years and I can tell you that stealing signs happened all the time. I got around it by doing exactly what the video says and having the catcher give the pitcher three signs.
In the mid 90s I played on a 13 year old little league team and we made it to the state championship game and the other team clobbered us. They were clearly stealing signs. We tried to change them, but our catcher couldn't even remember them and could barely make the hand gestures. It was a great time though. One of our pitcher, and my friend ended up being drafted by the White Sox after high school. 3rd pick, 3rd round. He only made it to double A though.
I was the SS on New Hampshire
You guys played really well. You had a great team! Not many kids get to play on ESPN like that. Hope you have mostly great memories. Good luck with your future baseball.
Hi my name is Chase Philibotte and I got mad flow. (Dude I watch your team all the time)
Sam lmao
It’s a rule the other team broke the rule
If you don’t like the rule change the rule. That team cheated
But they didn't relay signs in any of the games they played. Being accused is not the same thing as doing it. I got all the games on video and it's clear there was no relaying of signs.
My team in little league this year literally we’re stealing signs and the other team was mad 😂
If you think your cool because you did this your not
It part of baseball. It’s always going to happen. Coach has a lot of emotion
If stealing signs wasn't allowed in baseball, why would people even try to hide the signs so well?
So people don't steal them lol
Coach made an ass of himself. Grow up dude. Really disgusting that he went public.
stealing signs is part of and the coaches should coach their kids or players on how to defend against it
Having umpired for district 1 in the state of NH and having BEEN at this game watching it from the stands and seeing it all occur this one incident is NOT the only incident of the RI team relaying signs. Its my understanding that earlier in the week these two teams played and NH won, but after the game it was noted to the officials that in that game NH had complained after the game that the RI players were relaying signs. Now fast Fwd to this game you are showing and you showed one of like 3 instances where it happened in the game and the other two were clear as day sitting in the stands. Which is not the same thru ESPN’s video coverage you do not see it all. So with that said next time be at the game and not watching video of it to really make a judgement. To note The rule book, and I have 3 of them as well as a digital copy for 2019, said “SHALL EJECT”. It said absolutely NOTHING about warning the team. This commentator who made this video really needs to go back and read the rules from the proper year book and section. Recall this is tournament play and a tournament rule so that’s the section you will find it under. I also know some of the back ground stuff from what was said to the plate umpire. What it all boils down to is that rule was changed last year or year before to be added to tourney play as it has been complained about. In the wording they never originally added the option to warn until after this happened. The rule change to be able to warn was added to the 2020 rule book. To note the kid that was at 2nd that got the warning was the pitcher. If he and the coach were ejected. No one knows where the game would have went from that. But to say the coach complaining to the media is pitiful. NO he is not He is sticking up for his team and putting forth something that in his opinion and A LOT of other peoples opinion was an incorrect way to handle the issue. The rules are the rules and they felt they were not followed. Guess what the rule got changed. Personally for me not in a good way either. There needs to be slightly better wording on it in my opinion. Needless to say crappy narration of the actual problem
So obviously you know what you're talking about. They did add in 2020 that a warning should be issued first. But what you are forgetting is that the first year they added this rule, they said that a warning should be issued first. Furthermore you can clearly hear in the video that the tournament director or the umpire in Chief tells the umpire that he should issue a warning. That is the heart of the rule and has always been that way. It is true that in 2019, the warning did not appear in the rule book, but it is always been what should be done because you can't assume that the pitch is being relayed by the runner on second base. If you would like I can show you every time a runner from Rhode island is on second base. and if you see every single time a runner from Rhode island is on second base you will be convinced that, as a team, they were not stealing and relaying signs. And like I said in this video, it's possible that some, maybe one or two kids on this team, relayed signs, but there is no way that they all were. There is literally no consistency whatsoever. And if you were at the game and had some additional information, none of that is privy to me. Nowhere did the New Hampshire team say that they alerted anyone prior to what is seen in this video. And thanks for commenting! My only concern is what is said to the media to malign kids. That's reprehensible no matter what is the truth on the field.
I believe stealing signs is a part of baseball. If I were a coach I would tell my kids to steal signs
As a catcher, I was taught to change the sequence anytime anyone was on second, and shield the sign from 1st and 3rd, beginning in farm league and nailed it down in little league. This isn’t a new concept, and that NH coach is a crybaby
nah u don’t know what ur talking about his knees were closed gloves dropped he’s doing everything right he’s trying to prevent the coaches and runners on both sides of the diamond from knowing what’s coming if he’s trynna keep the runner on second from knowing the pitch therefore the pitcher can’t even see what he’s supposed to throw get ur facts right
bro its called using multiple signs
how’re you gonna say “you don’t know what you’re talking about” but don’t know about even basic sign sequences
I had a stroke reading that
As a little leaguer, we were taught to steal signs. It taught us to pay attention to every pitch at bat and when running the bases. When I was pitcher or catcher, we would talk about just what you said. When pitching, depending on what sign I gave the catcher, that was the indicator for when he was to give me the real sign. Before we walked out of the dugout, I would say hands or feet, then I would stand nearer a base on the mound. At the same time I would do something else with my hands, so my signal could be, standing behind the rubber was the second sign, but I may flip my glove toward first, that would mean, the first sign. We predetermined which it was when we walked out with the feet or hand call. These would vary from inning to inning along with along with the indicator. Some times the catcher would give the indicator and I would call the pitch. Stealing signs is a way to make the kids pay attention, however, it should be between the runners and the batter, the dugout should not help.
That is a great story bud, we all pretty much know the value of teaching kids to understand every aspect of the game. But, it has nothing to do with this case of cheating. Either you agree with teaching kids to cheat or you missed the part about sign stealing being illegal in the LLWS.
Lmao. Little Astros in the making.
Well the astros used tech these kids just clapped so it’s perfectly fine
dave m 😂😂😂😂
Lol in highschool one of our kids figured out their steal and bunt sign and started yelling “watch the bunt” “watch the steal” so we knew what was coming.
I've always liked when my players do it, it's part of the game. At 12u it is a little much but as long as the coaches aren't the ones relaying the signs I see no issue. We are supposed to be teaching them the game and preparing them for HS ball. Coach was salty and set a bad example by whining about it
Corin LaLiberty It’s a GREAT way to keep players on the bench fully engaged in the game if they are attempting to crack the coach’s signs to the catcher. We had guys do this in high school AND in Division 1 college baseball. Some were absolute WIZARDS!
The term "stealing signs" is in popular parlance, but the practice is more accurately labeled decoding signs and relaying what you have decoded by your own set of signs, which themselves can be decoded. There is nothing unsportsmanlike about it. I umpired Little League for 33 seasons. This ruled was implemented after I retired. It calls for the umpire to read intent on any particular bit of body language of a runner at second base. If I were still umpiring, I would pretend that the rule wasn't there, and, if pressed by a defensive team's manager, I would say, "Sorry, Coach, I'm not seeing it."
It's the catcher's responsibility to protect from this. There are multiple ways to communicate with the pitcher.
Yeah I agree with coaching players to have multiple sets of signs. I think stealing signs happens alot less than what people think but it still happens. Also that catcher was getting set up WAY TOO EARLY. The batter could have easily peaked or herd the catcher set up way outside and get his arms extended. Set up as the pitch is coming or right before not before you give the sign
As a catcher, I'd tell the hitter to knock it off or the next pitch would be in his ear. Sometimes I'd call time and yell it to the pitcher that they were stealing signs so that everyone on the field heard it. Then I'd proceed to rag on the hitter after every pitch.
It's part of baseball. The team in the field can mask the signs so that the batting team is fooled. So it can actually work against the batting team.
@3:54 After the coached talked to the players. The runner on second has his hands behind his back, He’s making sure, no one can accuse him of giving signals to the batter
Great video! This new rule is setting up for catchers in little league for failure. Next year they’ll be giving one sign when they’re 13 with runners on second and they’ll get eaten alive with runners picking up their signs
It’s just part of the game!
The problem with stealing signs being allowed in little league is that the appropriate response to such action (drilling a batter) is generally frowned upon.
That manager who cried to the media is a disgrace.
Minority opinion here: if stealing signs is against the league rules, and the team's coach was teaching (or allowing) them to steal signs, it WAS dishonorable and unsportsmanlike.
“They’re doing it all wrong” -Houston Astros and their entire fanbase.
In college we would figure out the signs at 2b and had a way to relay them to the hitter. Once they had two strikes we did nothing so as to not mess up the hitter. I was also a catcher and one game we were playing either Mississippi State or LSU and runner on second base was doing a bunch of different motions that were not natural - Pretty easy to pick up if you know what to look for. Typically it’s an arm gesture, a touch to the helmet, or the hands go to the knees or down front. Easiest way to confirm is to put down a fake sign which means nothing and the pitcher knows that is not a pitch, and then you read the runner at second base to see if they change up their motions which means you’ve caught onto them.
At that point I tell the batter he better signal to his buddy at 2b to quit giving him signs for the next pitch will be in his jersey. Usually I would just put down a fist with the thumb pointing at the hitter. I would at least provide a courtesy to the hitter and tell him to duck.😉 usually there are no other problems after that happens.
1:47 Pitch was two feet outside. Ump is horrible
Little league needs to repeal this rule. Stealing signs is in no way shape or form unsporting behavior, its part of the game. If your signs were stolen then you change your signs instead of crying, its that simple.
Maybe the second base running should turn his back-lol,,that’s baseball, you got a guy behind you relaying messages, pitcher and catcher has to make adjustments.
Now if you have a camera behind the pitcher and relaying messages, that’s unethical
It's happened for ever. We never did it, but we also didn't use a lot of signs, I used to joke that the sign for steal was, GO GO GO. We played a team one time that wore the wrist bands like NFL quarterbacks, so the basically had three different signs for the same pitch or play. So maybe 1, 3, 8 were all fast ball, they could actually just yell it out. Now this was not a LL tournament so I'm not sure what the rule would be on it and I've actually never seen it again.
Just so you know - sign stealing is illegal in the LLWS - thus this video. I remember the early days of signs being pretty useless as well. :)
WAIT.... clarification, did HE go to the media with this... or did the media go to him and ask him about the situation? HUGE difference! He's allowed to respond if a reporter asks him about something.
Why is it that so many who view these are sticklers about the RULES, mostly umpires, yet they ignore the HORRIBLE ball and strike calls at this level? Look at the pitch at 1:47,,,what a joke that a kid that size is suppose to cover that pitch with his bat.
I dont think the coach is out of line speaking up.
In little League all-stars my coach detected that the other team was stealing signs.... as the catcher he told me to do multiple signs and go by first, second, or third touch...... Simple baseball knowledge. We lost and never heard another word from my coach. He taught and didn't complain about it
Our real sign went by what inning it was.Simple to remember.
Depends on the hitter. There are some guys that do not want to know the signs. Pete Rose stated he never wanted to be signed, but he said Johnny Bench would welcome it.