# Sign stealing in baseball **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** baseball-mlb\ **Created:** [January 13, 2020, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380 "2020-01-13T23:55:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/181 "2020-02-27T15:17:02Z")
Professional sports leagues are all just a bunch of pirates. I’m astonished at how much money people are willing to fork over to them. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/182 "2020-02-27T19:07:18Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Professional sports leagues are all just a bunch of pirates. The most egregious is the MLB. At least in Pittsburgh. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/183 "2020-02-27T20:00:32Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > The most egregious is the MLB. At least in Pittsburgh. Okay, I actually laughed out loud for real. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/184 "2020-02-27T21:04:37Z")
The Asterisks are getting [hit by pitches](https://www.totalprosports.com/2020/02/26/alex-bregman-gets-hit-by-pitch-making-him-7th-astros-player-to-get-plunked-video/) this Spring Training at an astounding rate. Who could have predicted that? Oh, wait. I did. ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/185 "2020-02-27T21:27:14Z")
Pretty sure almost everybody predicted that. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/186 "2020-02-27T21:37:51Z")
If they didn’t, they haven’t been paying attention. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/187 "2020-02-27T21:45:47Z")
Sure. If anyone does anything wrong, hit them. Makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/188 "2020-02-28T01:47:32Z")
The Astros are NOT getting hit at “an astounding rate”. They’ve had 7 guys\* hit in 5 games (1.4 HBP/game). The Reds are at 6 HBP over 4 games (1.5 HBP/game). There are 3 other teams with 6 players hit (Tigers, Phillies, Cardinals). Maybe wanna-be MLB pitchers just suck at this point in the season? [No, the Astros’ league-leading HBPs in spring training are not retaliation for their cheating](https://sports.yahoo.com/houston-astros-hbp-cheating-retaliation-spring-training-231906306.html) - 1 in the foot. How the hell is that retaliation? I don’t get it, I really don’t. “Hey, they cheated, so they should totally face the possibility of career-ending, potentially life-changing (or even fatal) retaliation from a bunch of other millionaires” - most of whom would have participated willingly if they’d been on the 'Stros during those years. Please get a sense of proportion. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/189 "2020-02-28T02:35:16Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > The Asterisks are getting [hit by pitches](https://www.totalprosports.com/2020/02/26/alex-bregman-gets-hit-by-pitch-making-him-7th-astros-player-to-get-plunked-video/) this Spring Training at an astounding rate. > > Who could have predicted that? Oh, wait. I did. It’s all of one more than the next highest team. I certainly expect there to be some retaliation. But this ain’t it. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/190 "2020-02-28T03:15:10Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > - 1 in the foot. How the hell is that retaliation? Maybe instead of retaliation, it’s karma. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/191 "2020-02-28T03:28:11Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > Please get a sense of proportion. Proportion? Fuck that. I want the team dissolved, every player, coach, executive and ball boy put to the sword, their property seized and reduced to bare, salted earth and their families sold into bondage in Canaan. Proportion that! ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/192 "2020-02-28T11:53:47Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > I don’t get it, I really don’t. “Hey, they cheated, so they should totally face the possibility of career-ending, potentially life-changing (or even fatal) retaliation from a bunch of other millionaires” - most of whom would have participated willingly if they’d been on the 'Stros during those years. Please get a sense of proportion. Upthread, I gave an analogy of cheating in poker. I’m going to use it again. You cheat playing poker, you use cameras to get a glimpse of the other person’s cards… your victims may be moved to violence, and you don’t get to blame them for it. The Astros cheated during games… players crave success on the field, they live and die by winning and losing games, and the Astros stole that by cheating. They stole something very precious from their peers, and don’t seem the slightest bit remorseful. However, I’ll agree with a sense of proportion, when throwing at these players, they should not go for the head, aim for the mid back or lower. I’d also suggest that ‘opener’ games are tailor made for a quick drilling of someone, you’ve already got a starting pitcher warming up, so why not? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/193 "2020-02-28T16:38:25Z")
I fear a vicious cycle now. Teams pissed at the Astros start throwing at them. The Astros, desperate to avoid injury, feel more compelled than ever to steal signs so that they know when to hit the dirt when those bean balls are coming. A revelation of this new round of sign stealing causes pitchers to increase their efforts to punish the cheaters from the mound. WHEN WILL IT END?! When Altuve is in a coma? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/194 "2020-02-28T16:54:08Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I fear a vicious cycle now. > > Teams pissed at the Astros start throwing at them. The Astros, desperate to avoid injury, feel more compelled than ever to steal signs so that they know when to hit the dirt when those bean balls are coming. A revelation of this new round of sign stealing causes pitchers to increase their efforts to punish the cheaters from the mound. > > WHEN WILL IT END?! When Altuve is in a coma? :eek: I think this post is satire, but taking it literally for a moment, I don’t think a catcher signs for a hit by pitch. That’s usually the pitcher’s own decision. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/195 "2020-02-28T18:27:54Z")
To add to my ongoing disgust, MLB now blacks out the Blue Jays in all of Canada on [MLB.TV](http://MLB.TV). So I’ve cancelled my subscription. Another move towards not growing the game. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/196 "2020-02-28T18:36:26Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I think this post is satire, but taking it literally for a moment, I don’t think a catcher signs for a hit by pitch. That’s usually the pitcher’s own decision. No, it’s not at all satirical! [/sarcasm] Just an attempt at irony. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/197 "2020-02-28T20:31:13Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > To add to my ongoing disgust, MLB now blacks out the Blue Jays in all of Canada on [MLB.TV](http://MLB.TV). So I’ve cancelled my subscription. Another move towards not growing the game. That sucks. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/198 "2020-02-28T21:27:43Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > To add to my ongoing disgust, MLB now blacks out the Blue Jays in all of Canada on [MLB.TV](http://MLB.TV). So I’ve cancelled my subscription. Another move towards not growing the game. So all the Canadian residents too far from Toronto to attend a game never get to see one? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2020, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/199 "2020-02-29T15:19:36Z")
“The defending American League-champion Houston Astros could be playing with targets on their backs — metaphorically, at least.In just one week of preseason games, Astros hitters have already [been hit by seven pitches,](https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2020/02/27/bregman-becomes-7th-astros-player-hit-by-pitch-in-5-games/) in what’s either a statistical fluke or early signs that Houston batters could be targets of baseball vigilantes.” > **[Houston Astros, caught cheating, are hit by errant pitches — coincidence?](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/houston-astros-caught-cheating-are-hit-errant-pitches-coincidence-n1144806)** > > The MLB commissioner warned after the Astros' sign-stealing scandal that players on opposing teams should not retaliate against Houston batters. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2020, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380/200 "2020-02-29T17:21:00Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > So all the Canadian residents too far from Toronto to attend a game never get to see one? That’s right. If you live in Vancouver, a distance of 3300 KM from Toronto, you are blacked out. Toronto now has the distinction of having the largest blackout area; that used to be the unenviable honor of the Mariners. Some places are even worse. If you live in Las Vegas you are blacked pout from seeing SIX teams - all five California teams, plus the Diamondbacks, meaning you are perpetually blacked out from 40% of all MLB games despite not being close to any MLB market. (LA is at least four hours away, hardly a trip you could make often.) This is true everywhere. You’re in southern Alabama? Braves, Rays and MArlins are blacked out. Des Moines? Fuck you, pal; you cannot see the Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Cardinals, Twins, or Brewers. Little Rock isn’t a reasonable drive to any MLB team, but you cannot watch the Rangers, Astros, Cardinals, or Royals. Oh, and you live in Hawaii, which is rather a difficult drive to any MLB market? You cannot watch any California team or the Mariners. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-stealing-in-baseball/846380.md?page=11)