Chapter 13. Reading Baseball Signs

The Manager, and no one else, decides whether the team will bunt, hit-and-run, steal, etc and gives the appropiate baseball signs for it. Usually stationed at the 3rd base coaching line (or on the bench), he uses either voice or body signals baseball signs to tell batter and base runner what the play will be.

Whether a player is experienced, or inexperienced, he'll make the right move if he sees the Sign and understands it. But the base ball signs are on and off in an instant. To catch it, both batter and runner have to be looking at the Manager at the proper time.

The natural spot for the giving of baseball Signs is during the few moments before the pitcher gets on the rubber to start his throwing move. The batter-if we can concentrate on him before discussing either the runner or Manager-actually has control of the situation. If he expects certain baseball Signs, all he has to do is stay out of the batter's box and keep looking for it! As soon as he gets the Sign or becomes convinced no Sign is forthcoming, he should step into the box. (Caution: Don't step into the batter's box immediately after baseball signs are given. Let the 3rd base coach go, through at leas two additional motions.) At this point the pitcher will put his foot on the rubber and start his delivery. After the firs pitch (and each succeeding pitch), if the batter thinks a play might be coming, he should again step out of the batter's box and 'look".

The runner, too, has a definite procedure to follow in leagues in which "leading" is permitted. As the ball is being delivered, he should be moving off the base, ready to advance if the batter swings and connects. If the ball goes by the batter into the catcher's hands, however, the runner should quickly return to the base. As soon as the runner's foot strikes the base, he should turn and watch for a Sign. He should keep watching until the pitcher again puts his foot on the rubber. Once that happens, he should forget the Sign and concentrate on running.

In those junior leagues where the rules permit runners to take a 'lead", the players must remember this: NEVER leave the base until the pitcher has his foot on the rubber. If the pitcher is off the rubber, anybody could have the ball. It could be hidden in a glove, a back pocket or tucked under an arm pit. If our runner were off base looking intently for a Sign, that "anybody" could turn out to be somebody right behind him!

It should be clear now, that the Manager can only properly give baseball Signs when he becomes aware that the batter is out of the batter's box, the runner is on base and the pitcher is off the rubber.

Try to catch them all-yours and those of the position.

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