[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Sgt Siler

Little League majors. When I played (100 years ago), when a batter walked, the catcher always threw to F3, the old "hidden ball trick". Is there any rules governing deception now?

Last week I am on bases. Catcher receives pitch, hops up, fakes throw to
3rd, base, pretending to attempt back-pick of R3. F5 leaps in air and then turns around and looks towards the outfield. F6 starts running to the outfield. F7 bends over, looks between his legs, turns and then begins running towards the foul pole. 3rd base coach sees catcher still has the ball and keeps runner on base.

It was very well executed, worthy of an academy award. It faked out both me and PU. Between inning we questioned if there is a rule prohibiting this.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Not illegal at all. Deception is not illegal. Specific things are illegal (like F1 straddling the rubber without the ball - which nullifies the old hidden ball trick you mentioned, at least to a certain extent) - but nothing in the scenario you give is illegal.