Base coaches can steal catcher's signals

Segment 11 in "trick or treat" month.

Being vigilant is very important as a baseball coach. Somtimes you have to look for the not so obvious when it comes to the game. In this situation, noting what the basecoaches are doing could prove very beneficial when pitching to the opposition.

If a catcher doesn't hide his signals too well. Or, if a pitching coach hasn't disguised his signals too well there are various ways that a coach can relay the signals. In fact, it's always easier if a base coach can relay the signals rather than a offensive teammate because the coaches aren't nearly as obvious as they are off the field of play.

The way it typically works is when the base coach knows what pitch is coming (fastball or offspeed) he signals to the batter with his hand away from the opposing bench's view. If a righty is up, the 1B coach signals the pitch. If a lefty is up, the 3B signals the pitch.

The hitter is looking for an "open hand" for "off speed" and a "fist" for fastball.

This information can be gained directly by the base coach as a result of a poorly prepared catcher who doesn't have his legs closed. Or, a result of an astute bench person who has stolen the other coaches pitches.

In eithert situation, it's certainly a clever way to alert your batter to what might be coming.