[Cubbies87]

Stealing signs is part of the game, and umpires should not go meddling in business that is not theirs, I agree.

However, there are times when an umpire NEEDS to inject himself into the game to prevent disasters.

14U A batter comes up to the plate, takes his sign from the 3B coach, then turns back and stares at the catcher signing to the pitcher. He does this before every pitch. The catcher even said to him, "Stop stealing my signs." The kid continued to look back. He popped out, and the inning ended shortly after.

I made it my business to let the batter's coach know his player was stealing signs from the catcher while at bat. I did not tell him that he had to change anything, but I impressed upon him that I did not want a fastball coming high and tight on a 14 year old kid because he didn't realize what stealing signs can do.

The coach was shocked his player was looking back, thanked me, and took care of the problem. While it's not my job to coach, it is my job to prevent problems when I can, even when it is something as routine as stealing signs.