Jan 2011 19
Q&A: Can someone give me an idea of what the “sign language” between the pitcher and the catcher could mean?9
Posted In sign language
Question by Addy: Can someone give me an idea of what the “sign language” between the pitcher and the catcher could mean?
I know it may not mean the same to everyone, but I’m curious as to what in the world could they be saying to each other.
Best answer:
Answer by J G
They are giving pitch signals.
“Throw a fast ball.”
“Throw low and outside.”
etc..
The catcher can give an idea of how a batter may react to certain pitches and tells the pitcher.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Thats all my dad told me. But each sign language is coded for each team.. I would think the only way to find out would be to ask a member of a team. Good luck getting them to tell you.
Selecting the pitch and the location!
The signs is a way of communicating about the pitch the catcher wants the pitcher to throw.
He would usually show three or four signs in a row. The pitcher decides which pitch he wants to pitch. The catcher will show one finger to the side usually means a fastball to which ever side the catcher picks. Then he’ll put up three finger meaning slider. The pitcher can shake his head yes or no for the pitch.
Ex: Catcher puts up these fingers. 2, 1, 4, 3.
The pitcher shakes his head no three consecutive times, and yes the fourth. It mean No2, no 1, and no 4. He wants the pitch to be number three, which could be a curve ball type of pitch.
A fist is usually a pitch out, when they wiggle their fingers it could mean off speed pitch, there are signs for telling the pitcher to throw over to first, there are signs for location, there are signs for the specific pitch. With a runner on second, they could go by the first, second, or third sign for example. If the pitcher is having difficulty seeing a sign due to sunlight, the catcher could use the grabbing of his mask or pulling of the chest protector as a sign. There are many, many ways to communicate between the 2.
the catcher is telling the pitcher which pitch to throw (fast ball, curve ball, slider etc, and location of the pitch). Catcher’s usually call the pitches because they are in there every day and get a better feel for opposing hitters than the pitcher who only pitches every 5 days. When a relief pitcher comes in the catcher knows better how each batter is doing that day. The catcher also needs to know which pitch is being thrown so he doesn’t miss it and let it get passed him.
The catcher calls the signs. If the pitcher disagrees (lets say he isn’t feeling too confident about his curve ball) he’ll shake his head no and the catcher will call a different pitch.
In the old days, if the catcher stuck his thumb up it meant to hit the batter with a pitch. I don’t think they do that anymore since there are cameras watching.
Not all signals are the same for each team, but basically, the catcher is getting signals from the dugout based on the manager’s study of different team tapes. If the manager knows that the guy at the plate can’t hit a fastball, he will tell the catcher that, and the catcher will tell the pitcher to throw it.
If the manager sees a player on first that is likely to steal, he will give the catcher a sign, and the catcher will give the sign to the pitcher to toss over to the base.
There are literally hundreds of signals in each game, for batters, outfield alignments, infield alignments, the pace of the game…name it there is a signal for it.
*blank stare*
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the manager is telling the catcher where to set up the target to the pitcher. like outside, inside, etc. they do that to not give it away to the other team.
Well pitchers and catchers tend to get very bored while they’re on the field so to save time, they will make plans for after the game via sign language. This way the other team doesn’t know what restaurant or local hang out they’re going to after the game. The catcher will usually start off by suggesting a place such as TGIF Fridays via the sign language, but if the pitcher just ate there the night before he will shake off the “sign” and the catcher will suggest another place such as PF Changs. Once they agree on a place to eat the pitcher will throw the ball to the catcher. After they’ve determined a venue to eat they must decide on an appetizer using the hand signals. The process of choosing a restaurant, agreeing on food and drinks, then deciding who is going to drive takes about 80-100 pitches on average. This usually goes on until the around 6-7th inning. At that time the manager will remove the pitcher from the game. This way the pitcher is now able to get to the restaurant early and reserve tables. Again, this is kept secret from the opposing team as they prefer not to share their Awesome Blossoms and Combo platters with other teams………seriously.