[LDUB]

Originally posted by orioles35
Well, this has raised some interesting issues.

I respect those that feel umpires should not interfere in stealing signs unless a rule (i.e. coaches being out of the box) is being broken. I don't entirely disagree.

Stealing signs is not against the rules, but if you've got the oppositions signs, why communicate it in such a way that your opponent might change them so you DON'T have that advantage? The game I called, the third base coach was verbally communicating them to the batter. Let's say we have one of those coaches on the other side that we all know too well, Mr. Bad Attitude. And let's say he does just what other suggested in this thread, has his pitcher (in this case a twelve year old) throw at another batter, then starts mouthing off from the dugout at the other coach about stealing signs, the other coach yells back about hiding them better, suddenly that 8-3 game doesn't become so much fun any more. And possibly has a kid hurt, as well.

Maybe it wasn't my place to do so, but neither do I think twelve year olds should be taught such a thing at their age. While it isn't against the rules, it isn't exactly fair, but it isn't quite cheating either. Certainly isn't good sportsmanship.

What could you have done to stop this guy from stealig signs?