Exactly what does “cheating” mean? One definition is “to act dishonestly; practice fraud.” That sounds good. A second definition is “to violate rules deliberately, as in a game.” That sounds good too. Let’s use these as our definitions of cheating.
The Giants Allegedly Stole Signs
In 1951, New York won the National League pennant, overcoming a Brooklyn 13 ½ game lead. On January 31, 2001, an article in the Wall Street Journal claimed that the Giants had an elaborate sign-stealing scheme involving a telescope in the scoreboard and a system of bells and buzzers that allowed reserve catcher Sal Yvars and reserve infielder Hank Schenz to tip off hitters about the next pitch.
No Rule Against Stealing Signs
If it is true, were the Giants cheating? Well, they were not acting dishonestly. They were acting surreptitiously. Were they violating any rules? Absolutely not. There was nothing in the baseball rulebook in 1951 that prohibited stealing signs by any methods a team choose to employ. There still is not.
Baseball's Statement About Sign Stealing
When those in charge became aware of the allegations that besmirched the greatest miracle in sports history, they did what all good bureaucrats do. They made a statement. On March 31, 2001, executive vice president of baseball operations Sandy Alderson sent all general managers and mangers a memo that restricted the use of electronic equipment during a game. Such equipment and technology “could not be used for communications or for the purpose of stealing signs or conveying information designed to give a club an advantage.”
Does the Method of Stealing Signs Matter?
Alderson mentions nothing about using eyes, limbs, head, or any other part of the anatomy to obtain signs – only electronic equipment. There is a contradiction. Keeping things simple, there must be no cheating in baseball. That is the premise that those involved with the game must accept. What difference does it make if signs are stolen by an individual located in the center field scoreboard who relays her information to the third base coach who tips off the batter, or by the runner on second who sees the catcher’s signal to the pitcher? Both are considered cheating, but the latter is “gamesmanship.”
Two Choices Exist
Stealing signs has been part of the game since the games began. It is not cheating because stealing signs does not violate any baseball rule. To allow stealing signs as long as technology in not involved is ridiculous. There really are only two choices. If those who run the game are sincere, then they must either allow stealing signs by any methods sign stealers choose, or they must add a rule not allowing the stealing of signs.
A Farce of the Game
If stealing signs using technology is allowed, every baseball park will look like AT &T’s secret wire tapping room in San Francisco. If a rule is added to prevent sign stealing, a rule that is impossible to enforce will make a farce of the game. One can reach only one conclusion. Maybe honesty isn’t an absolute.
References:
Marazzi, Rich. “Baseball Rules Corner: How Baseball Teams Steal Signs From Each Other in the Past and Present.” Baseball Digest. June 1, 2001.
