No different than the fake throw to third to try and get the guy on first. No different than with runners on first and third, the runner on first steals and the catcher either fakes throw to second or throws it hard but to the pitcher to get the guy trying for home.

I've seen Harrison County attempt this play a couple of times. Scott pulled a hidden ball trick on Harrison County last year in the Regional tourney, which helped them get out of a tough inning and win the game, although they didn't do all the acting you see in the video. I'm not a huge fan of "trickery" in baseball, but if you get caught in one of these plays it's your own fault. Runners should always know where the ball is. If you don't see the ball, you stay on the base.

 

:thumb: That's it in a nutshell. Deception is part of the game. Been deked out by outfielders plenty of times in my youth. You need to pay attention at ALL times. And I might add your coaches need to pay attention as well.

Let me guess...there is some unwritten rule about using a trick play in important games? Brian McCann is probably ready to fight.

 

I have no problem with it whatsoever. I'm going to see if I can teach my youth team this play.

Those plays you reference are obstruction in high school.

 

Yep. Wasn't implying or making reference to the legality/illegality of the play, just using those examples as a frame of reference as to how some would characterize the play. Again, feel free to give it shot. Probably not something I would do as a coach, but I'm not gonna be mad if you try it. I'm certainly going to prepare my team for the play.

I don't think it's "bush league."

 

I like it a whole lot better than a batter dropping his bat and grabbing at his face and yelling...as if something is hurting his eye...just as the pitcher starts to release the ball. Hard for the pitcher not to balk.

 

It would not be a balk if the batter steps out of the box.

Both of the examples you use are in fact against the rules.

Both of the examples you use are in fact against the rules.

 

If that's in response to RJS trust me when I say he knows the rules really well.

Both of the examples you use are in fact against the rules.

 

Again, you're missing my point. I know those examples are against the rules (although not at all levels). Just used them as examples of types of deception that would be considered poor gamesmenship. The whole legal/illegal thing isn't the point. The play described in the topic is perfectly legal. But some don't like it because it's a form of deception, like the examples I gave. Maybe I used bad examples. I understand what I'm trying to say even if nobody else does;)

Again, you're missing my point. I know those examples are against the rules (although not at all levels). Just used them as examples of types of deception that would be considered poor gamesmenship. The whole legal/illegal thing isn't the point. The play described in the topic is perfectly legal. But some don't like it because it's a form of deception, like the examples I gave. Maybe I used bad examples. I understand what I'm trying to say even if nobody else does;)

 

I guess I see your point, maybe I just don't agree with people that would equate this to poor sportsmanship and definitely do not equate it to deceptively violating a rule. Coaches give signals instead of just yelling steal or bunt. Is this deceptive to give your kid a sign that is meant to not let the other side know what you are going to do?

 

I've actually seen a similar play in the College World Series where a ball boy down the first base line was in on it. That gets closer.

Bush.....but I like it when teams try it, and then look bush for trying it

Bush.....but I like it when teams try it' date=' and then look bush for trying it[/quote']

 

Logically, I get all of the analogies. But there is just something about this play that irks me.

Logically, I get all of the analogies. But there is just something about this play that irks me.

 

And that's kind of how I feel. Yes it's legal and within the rules. But it takes no skill, no talent (other than good acting) to pull it off. To get an out, you should have to actually make a baseball play...catch a ball, throw a ball, etc. Again, perfectly legal. Within the rules, and if you want to do it, have at it, and I ain't gonna be mad at you, because my team will be ready for it. But there's just something about this play that feels cheap.

How many of you that say this is a play that you do not mind.........would frown on the QB/ Center "wrong ball" trick or the "fake coach/player sideline argument" punt formation play trick in football?

How many of you that say this is a play that you do not mind.........would frown on the QB/ Center "wrong ball" trick or the "fake coach/player sideline argument" punt formation play trick in football?

 

Add those to my list.

How many of you that say this is a play that you do not mind.........would frown on the QB/ Center "wrong ball" trick or the "fake coach/player sideline argument" punt formation play trick in football?

 

I've got no problem with anything that does not violate the rules of the game. As has been mentioned repeatedly, players and coaches have to pay attention. If they don't and get burned it's all on them.