Favorite Trick Play

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

What is your favorite trick play?(hidden ball trick, etc...)

[E.Banks#14]

One that's has worked a few times for my team this year: With a runner on second, we have our CF come in slowly to pick the guy off. The SS and 2B just play in their regular spots and when the CF gets there, the pitcher guns him down.

[Kroxquo]

When my dad coached high school ball, he had a play that would occasionally work, but he said that you really have to have the right guy catching. The play went like this. The pitcher walks the batter (this even walked on an intentional walk one time). Catcher takes the ball and starts walking back in the direction of the mound keeping up a chatter with the pitcher - "Shake it off, no problem, let's get the next guy, etc." Meanwhile he's keeping an eye on the batter, who if he goes even a little past first base or leaves the base at all, the catcher throws over for the tag. It was really neat when it worked.

[YankeesCatcher]

Hey! That's pretty cool.

My favorite trick play is anything that will piss off the umpire... :grouchy

[Bluesteve32]

Hey! That's pretty cool.

My favorite trick play is anything that will piss off the umpire... :grouchy

You are a catcher, right? Of anyone on the field, you ought ot get a rapport with the umpire and be very friendly with him. Protect him from getting hit and he will warn you if the pitcher is doing something illegal like not coming set and other infractions rathing than balking him or calling some other infraction.

You piss him off, you may not get borderline calls and he'll be more than happy to balk your pitcher. Of course, if you really tick him off, you may end up watching the rest of the game.

Oh yeah, while we are at it, do publically humiliate an umpire like when coach ask where was that pitch and tell him "on the corner" or something like that. Say "outside" and in the dugout he missed that pitch. Often an umpire will admit that he missed a pitch to you, that is if he trusts you.

This about what you do out there. Those guys are human too, and must put up with too much (excrement) way too often.

[ElHalo]

My favorite trick play is when the third baseman grabs hold of the belt of a guy who's tagging on a pop fly, preventing him from getting a jump on the ball.

[Bluesteve32]

My favorite trick play is when the third baseman grabs hold of the belt of a guy who's tagging on a pop fly, preventing him from getting a jump on the ball.

John McGraw was know for that. One day his opponant unbuckled his belt and was left hanging on to a blet according to one story. ;)

[YankeesCatcher]

You are a catcher, right? Of anyone on the field, you ought ot get a rapport with the umpire and be very friendly with him. Protect him from getting hit and he will warn you if the pitcher is doing something illegal like not coming set and other infractions rathing than balking him or calling some other infraction.

You piss him off, you may not get borderline calls and he'll be more than happy to balk your pitcher. Of course, if you really tick him off, you may end up watching the rest of the game.

Oh yeah, while we are at it, do publically humiliate an umpire like when coach ask where was that pitch and tell him "on the corner" or something like that. Say "outside" and in the dugout he missed that pitch. Often an umpire will admit that he missed a pitch to you, that is if he trusts you.

This about what you do out there. Those guys are human too, and must put up with too much (excrement) way too often.

Nah I was joking, I never piss off the umpire, it's always yes sir or no sir.

He even tells me where to pitch batters sometimes....

[Bluesteve32]

Nah I was joking, I never piss off the umpire, it's always yes sir or no sir.

He even tells me where to pitch batters sometimes....

Ok, that's good.

[masterchief2402]

I like the hidden ball trick myself. Standard, not really complex, and I've pulled it off a couple times at first.

[Bluesteve32]

I like the hidden ball trick myself. Standard, not really complex, and I've pulled it off a couple times at first.

Doing it right and not balking is a great play. Also you can't do it after a dead ball, but in youth leagues you may get away with it.

[wogdoggy]

favorite trick play? FIRST PITCH STRIKES THREE UP THREE DOWN.trick plays are for the weak?

[Utter Chaos]

I have two from back in the day.

1) With a runner on first, have the pitcher pitch from a stretch but never look over there but instead look at the 3rd baseman. The 3B counts the steps on the runner's lead. Usually each pitch the runner takes a bigger lead than before. When the 3B reaches a certain number (like 4 or 5) the pitcher throws over to first and picks the guy off.

2) The other play is when there's a runner on 2nd. The shortstops distracts the runner by throw a pebble or kicking dirt to the runners right. When the runner turns his head to see what's going on the SS cuts to the bag and the pitcher throws to pick him off.

[TwelveGage]

not really a trick play, but back when I pitched, I'd work that 45 degree angle you're allowed when doing a pick off at third. Come up and put my foot down right at 45 degrees and catch the runner standing stupid, the coaches would get so pissed, but for one the umps liked me, and 2, i was in the clear. another thing i liked to do when pitching was pull a "Nomo". not really a trick play again, but it'd keep the guy on second honest.

[wilbur775]

the best trick play i have seen was "oh ****". my high school team ran it quite often(even against one team twice and it worked both times). with a runner on second the pitcher picks to second but in stead of throwing the ball he leaves it in his glove. the short stop and second run into the outfield gap and so do the out fielders. meanwhile the first baseman covers second and the runner is caught trying to take third. classic

[MPAAshortstop23]

not sure if this is a balk or not, but here we go. just thought this up during some past games, and it really would have worked, if it's not a balk.

runner on second, and you know for a fact that he's running, perhaps its a 3-2, 2 outs or maybe youve stolen a sign :rolleyes: and know hes takin off to third. pitcher comes from the stretch of course, but insted of a slidestep move, you move to the normal stretch. lift the leg, runner decides you've commited, and the pitcher picks off to third, catchign the runner dead or forcing a hotbox... any feedback?

[nothing but baseball]

Yeah thats what I was just about to post. Ive never brought it up to the pitcher but it would for sure work.

[mobile eggroll]

balk u can't pick to an unoccupied base

[E.Banks#14]

I just thought of this today watching the game on ESPN. Runner at third. Flyball to any OF, deep enough for the guy to tag. Hold your glove up like you're gonna catch it above your head, but at the last second, drop your glove down to make a basket catch. If the runner was timing your catch and watching the baseline instead of watching the OF, he will leave early and the defense could appeal at third.

[wogdoggy]

sorry ,my bad boys

[WinOrDieTrying12]

YEAH! i'VE DONE THE CENTERFIELD TRICK MANY TIMES. sO MANY TIMES EVERYTIME WE PLAYED SOMEONE THE RUNNER WOULD JUST LOOK AT ME. iT WAS GREAT. aNOTHER ONE WAS THE HIDDEN TRICK PLAY. iT ONCE WON US A wORLD sERIES VICTORY. i FELT BAD FOR THE KID WE DID IT TO


gO wHITE sOX!!!!!!

[warriorxlegolas]

balk u can't pick to an unoccupied base


You sure about that???
If he is running I believe you can throw to third. Or do you have to step off first???

Fishers Webb

[Bluesteve32]

balk u can't pick to an unoccupied base

Nope, 8.05d says it is a balk to throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play. If the runner breaks to third, the pithcer may step, and throw to third without disengaging the rubber.

NFHS and NCAA rules concur.

[mobile eggroll]

there is no play since the runner is not even remotely close to the bag, therefore it is still a balk. infact i saw it called tonight by an experienced umpire. runner on first breaks for second. pitcher spins on the mound an throws to second but tis an overthrow, umpire still calls a balk an the runner goes to second.

also what would be the reasoning behind the rule, when are u not going to pick to an unoccupied base to make a play?

[BristolBoy]

Humour a novice of the game - what exactly is the hidden ball trick? I've heard it mentioned a few times but I've no idea what's involved. Baseman has the ball in his mitt unknown to a runner, and then tags him while he's taking his lead?

[E.Banks#14]

That's the hidden ball trick I'm thinking of. Usually with a 1B.

[BristolBoy]

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

[MPAAshortstop23]

there is no play since the runner is not even remotely close to the bag, therefore it is still a balk. infact i saw it called tonight by an experienced umpire. runner on first breaks for second. pitcher spins on the mound an throws to second but tis an overthrow, umpire still calls a balk an the runner goes to second.

also what would be the reasoning behind the rule, when are u not going to pick to an unoccupied base to make a play?

it doesnt matter that the runner isnt close to the bag, you're picking to third to make the play, not for a game of catch. and it doesnt matter what umpire makes the call, the rule says that if you throw to an unoccupied base, its a balk. but here's the rule - "throwing or feinting to any unoccupied base when it IS NOT an attempt to put out or drive back a runner [is a balk]"

this would lead most of us to believe that since you are indeed throwing to make the play, its not a balk.

it's certainly debatable, as you said the runner could go back, and the runner's team could argue a fake steal. and of course it may be a good secondary lead, not an attempted steal. in most cases the umpires would probably call the balk though, as, unless the runner doesnt stop, they cant say he was stealing, so they cant say if he was throwing to make the play.

[Bluesteve32]

there is no play since the runner is not even remotely close to the bag, therefore it is still a balk. infact i saw it called tonight by an experienced umpire. runner on first breaks for second. pitcher spins on the mound an throws to second but tis an overthrow, umpire still calls a balk an the runner goes to second.

also what would be the reasoning behind the rule, when are u not going to pick to an unoccupied base to make a play?

That does not mean it is a correct call. Or he may have called a balk because the pitcher may have done another infraction like not step toward the base in which he was throwing.

If a runner is breaking to the next base, the pitcher does not have to disengage the rubber to make a throw to that base, even though it was unoccupied prior to the play.

On that play you discribed, even if a balk may erroroneously was called, if the pitcher make a bad throw, the balk is ignored if the runner(s) reach the next base. That is 8.05 pen AR (approved ruling) play 2.

8.05d clearly permits that type of play. NCAA and NFHS (6-2-4b) rule concur.

[David Bennett]

with runner on 1st and total bunt situation.
first baseman charges for the bunt
catcher calls a pitchout
second baseman leisurly walks behind baserunner without him aware {shadows can hurt this play}must be very quiet!
the first baseman is in front of the runner so he gets lazy going back to the bag where the second baseman is waiting to get the SURPRISE throw from the catcher on the pitch out!
works great.but everyone has to be aware that its on

[d-rock]

not sure if this is a balk or not, but here we go. just thought this up during some past games, and it really would have worked, if it's not a balk.

runner on second, and you know for a fact that he's running, perhaps its a 3-2, 2 outs or maybe youve stolen a sign :rolleyes: and know hes takin off to third. pitcher comes from the stretch of course, but insted of a slidestep move, you move to the normal stretch. lift the leg, runner decides you've commited, and the pitcher picks off to third, catchign the runner dead or forcing a hotbox... any feedback?

This play is illegal because you can't throw to an unoccupied base from the rubber, which throwing to 3rd would be in this case. :cool:

[MPAAshortstop23]

This play is illegal because you can't throw to an unoccupied base from the rubber, which throwing to 3rd would be in this case. :cool:

thats what we are debating right now, whether or not its a balk. you can throw to the unoccupied base to make the play. thats the impotant thing right here, you're throwing to make the play so it shouldnt be a balk as the runner is breaking. its great baseball by the defense if it works.

[Bluesteve32]

This play is illegal because you can't throw to an unoccupied base from the rubber, which throwing to 3rd would be in this case. :cool:

You may throw to an unoccupied base, if you are making a play to retire a runner. 8.05d

:lookitup
8.05
If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when_ (a) The pitcher, while touching his plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery; If a left-handed or right-handed pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher's rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to second base on a pick off play. (b) The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw; (c) The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base; Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off of his free foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk. A pitcher is to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base but does not require him to throw (except to first base only) because he steps. It is possible, with runners on first and third, for the pitcher to step toward third and not throw, merely to bluff the runner back to third; then seeing the runner on first start for second, turn and step toward and throw to first base. This is legal. However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion "wheels" and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk. Of course, if the pitcher steps off the rubber and then makes such a move, it is not a balk. (d) The pitcher, while touching his plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play; (e) The pitcher makes an illegal pitch; A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter's box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted. (f) The pitcher delivers the ball to the batter while he is not facing the batter; (g) The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher's plate; (h) The pitcher unnecessarily delays the game; (i) The pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher's plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch; (j) The pitcher, after coming to a legal pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch, or in throwing to a base; (k) The pitcher, while touching his plate, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball; (l) The pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher's box; (m)The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop. PENALTY: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out, unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base, in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk. APPROVED RULING: In cases where a pitcher balks and throws wild, either to a base or to home plate, a runner or runners may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled at his own risk. APPROVED RULING: A runner who misses the first base to which he is advancing and who is called out on appeal shall be considered as having advanced one base for the purpose of this rule. Umpires should bear in mind that the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner. If there is doubt in the umpire's mind, the "intent" of the pitcher should govern. However, certain specifics should be borne in mind: (a) Straddling the pitcher's rubber without the ball is to be interpreted as intent to deceive and ruled a balk. (b) With a runner on first base the pitcher may make a complete turn, without hesitating toward first, and throw to second. This is not to be interpreted as throwing to an unoccupied base.

[chisoxrule]

One trick I know is this: There is runners on first on third. Have the runner on first start walking to second and get in a rundown. The runner on third will score. If the oppossing team doesn't throw to get the guy on first in a rundown, the runner gets a stolen base. Win win situation.

It almost always works.

[KidCoach]

Here are a few...

1. When I was in Babe Ruth, I played 3B. I would charge as though I
was expecting a squeeze bunt (runner on 3B). Pitcher would pitch-out,
shortstop sneaks in to cover 3B, catcher throws to shortstop covering
3B to pick runner off (I duck once ball reaches catcher). Worked like a
charm several times.

2. In high school, I played 2B. With runners on 1st and 3rd, we expected
runner on 1B to steal. The "cross play" had me cutting in between the
mound and 2B if the runner on 1B attempted to steal. Catcher throws
the ball to 2B trying to get runner out. I keep my eye on the runner
at 3B. If he breaks for home with the throw, I cut off the throw and
gun him out at home. If he stays put, I let it go through and we nail
the runner at 2B. I threw out many runners trying to score with that
play.

3. This one's dirty, but I don't think you can get away with it anymore
with rule changes. Friend of mine coached a Babe Ruth all-star team,
and with bases loaded, tie score in bottom of final inning, he had his
batter step out of the batter's box WITHOUT CALLING TIME and act
like he had dirt in his eye, trying to get pitcher to hesitate in his
delivery of the pitch. When the pitcher hesitated in mid-motion, my
friend, who was basecoaching 3B yelled, "BALK!". And the umps called
a balk, and his team won. Now I believe there's a rule that you can't
do anything intentional to cause a balk, illegal pitch, etc. It worked
for him, though, and he almost got murdered by all the angry parents
on the way out of town.

[mobile eggroll]

how can u fient a throw except for the purpose of making a play?

and yes i was called on that exact play last weekend. runner on the corners, runner of fisrt breaks instead of taking my foot off i go into my normal pitch an when i swing my leg up i swing it back an throw to second. completly forgot about the rule yet i got called on it, and then i say almost the same exact play yesterday, both umpires upon asking them said that i was picking to an occupied base.

[andrewlevino]

if your 0-2 and you see a wild pitch take a hack at it. dropped third strike. make sure the ball is low in the dirt though. dont want it to come right back to the catcher.
if you get a wild low pitch 0-2 you are on first safe

[Bluesteve32]

if your 0-2 and you see a wild pitch take a hack at it. dropped third strike. make sure the ball is low in the dirt though. dont want it to come right back to the catcher.
if you get a wild low pitch 0-2 you are on first safe
What happens when a runner is on first with less that two outs? :D

[MPAAshortstop23]

you dont do it? :D :p

[Bluesteve32]

Sometime I have seen catchers forget and throw anyway and the runner(s) do advance.

[VIBaseball]

I have to look up the details again, but there was a great one in the minors several years back where a catcher substituted a peeled potato that was just the right size for the ball. If I recall, he threw the spud wildly on a pickoff and greeted the runner at home with the real horsehide.

[Bluesteve32]

I would say that would be against the rules under rule 4.00 by making a travesty of the game and rule 9.01c.

[mobile eggroll]

you can't be on the mound period i thought without the ball? i was working a game with an ex major league umpire, and the kid on the hill didn't have the ball an wasnt on the rubber, just standing behind it and still called a balk.

[Bluesteve32]

you can't be on the mound period i thought without the ball? i was working a game with an ex major league umpire, and the kid on the hill didn't have the ball an wasnt on the rubber, just standing behind it and still called a balk.

You can't be on or astride the rubber without the ball in OBR or NCAA. In NFHS (FED) is is within five feet of the rubber.

[VIBaseball]

You can read the story of Williamsport Crosscutters catcher Dave Bresnahan's 8/31/87 caper here:

http://www.crosscutters.com/history.htm

...and also hear it:

http://www.hearingvoices.com/special/2004/hometeam/

As for travesty, Bluesteve -- the Indians organization agreed. The released Bresnahan the next day...but his notoriety lived on.

[Bluesteve32]

3. This one's dirty, but I don't think you can get away with it anymorewith rule changes. Friend of mine coached a Babe Ruth all-star team, and with bases loaded, tie score in bottom of final inning, he had his batter step out of the batter's box WITHOUT CALLING TIME and act
like he had dirt in his eye, trying to get pitcher to hesitate in his
delivery of the pitch. When the pitcher hesitated in mid-motion, my
friend, who was basecoaching 3B yelled, "BALK!". And the umps called
a balk, and his team won. Now I believe there's a rule that you can't
do anything intentional to cause a balk, illegal pitch, etc. It worked
for him, though, and he almost got murdered by all the angry parents
on the way out of town.

This cannot be a balk. If the batter steps out and the pitcher stops his motion, it is nothing but "TIME" and everyone starts from scratch. If the pitcher completes his pitch, it would be called a ball or strike depending the location of the pitch. 6.02b: Penalty, casebook material (Approved ruling).

If this act is deemed intentional, under 4.06a(3) the offending player shall be ejected and the play nullified.

I can't believe the umpires let this go. All rule codes (NCAA, NFHS, OBR, Little League) have this type of provision.

[nextel411]

learned this one the other day. almost worked too. With a runner on second you someone with the ball tosses it at the runner. To avoid getting hit the runner jumps out of the way sometimes taking his foot off allowing the fielder to slap the tag on. you can do this a bunch of ways at any base.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

I found this recently. There is no way this can be legal. Is there ??

Details:

The unique thing about this play is where the 1B runner takes his lead. The firstbase runner will take his lead in the outfield. Do not confuse this play with the typical "cat and mouse" or "get in a rundown" play often ran by offensive teams to score a runner from thirdbase. In this play the firstbase runner will take his lead 15-20 feet out on the "outfield grass" half-way between firstbase and secondbase. This lead location will put the runner approximately 65 feet from both firstbase and secondbase. The runner will simply turn and sprint to this "spot" when he take his lead.

When the firstbase gets to his "lead location" the runner will "hold the spot" until a defender, with the baseball, approaches him and is within 15 feet. He should make sure that when he makes a move, he goes directly toward firstbase or secondbase. He must not take a step back under any circumstance. A step backwards will make him in violation of the "base path rule". The "base path rule" is not enforcable until a runner is attempting to avoid a tag or play by the defender. If a runner leaves the base path to avoid a tag or play by a defender, he is out. Many people misinterpret this rule. This rule in no way restricts where a runner may take his lead. He can legally take his lead anywhere he wishes. The runner's base path to firstbase or secondbase is determined by where he is when the defense begins to make a play on him.

If the defense makes no play on the firstbase runner, he will sprint directly to secondbase as quickly as he can on the next pitch. He has used the play to easily steal second safely. If the defense makes a play on the runner he will not panic but will rather hold his spot and wi break at the last possible moment. The thirdbase runner will take a safe but aggressive lead and will read the actions of the defense. When the thirdbase runner or coach feels that the defense has moved out of position or has taken the ball too far out to make the play at home, the runner will break and attempt to score.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

7.08
Any runner is out when --
(a) (1) He runs more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball; or (2) after touching first base, he leaves the baseline, obviously abandoning his effort to touch the next base;

This doesn't really clear things up...

[billybob013]

This is definately the best trick play. With a runner on second, the batter hits the ball (must be a hit that could potentially score the runner from second), as both umpires are watching the play, the runner from second cuts through the grass for home plate.(you can't run straight through the grass, you have to to just round it a lot) I have seen this play run numerous times and it is hilarious to here the coaches from the other team complain while the umpires tell them they didn't see anything.

[Ohfor]

Runner on first base with exceptional speed. No one can throw him out stealing. So, runner steals, two players on the bench crack two bats together making the sound of the ball hitting the bat. The catcher throws a soft pop up to the second baseman at his normal position. Everyone yells "back" as if the runner needs to return to first base (because he thinks the ball was popped up). Second baseman tags him out.

I saw this in real life. College level.

[Zac Robinson]

Runner on first base with exceptional speed. No one can throw him out stealing. So, runner steals, two players on the bench crack two bats together making the sound of the ball hitting the bat. The catcher throws a soft pop up to the second baseman at his normal position. Everyone yells "back" as if the runner needs to return to first base (because he thinks the ball was popped up). Second baseman tags him out.

I saw this in real life. College level.

I read thru the entire thread and was about to post the above...when playing in college we used it and it worked perfectly. When coaching in college we used it and it worked perfectly. Also, when coaching HS and a 14 year old summer team we used it numerous times. Actually won a game to get us in the finals and a trip to the nationals with this play. The kids got real good at it, and loved running it. The key was to really sell it, and play it out until the end. Also, we only used it when the runner was really fast and we knew there was no way we could throw him out. Good stuff!

Also used the hidden ball many times, but without a fake and used it at 1st or 2nd, fielder just caught the ball and held it, pitcher was the key for this one because he had to recognize what the fielder was doing and go into his routine of being occupied with the game without getting on the mound.

Another we never tried but I think might have worked is with an agressive runner on 1st, he steals, catcher comes up and throws to 1st baseman, then turns and runs to the backstop acting like he can't find the ball, everyone is yelling and pointing, in the mean time the runner rounds 2nd and the 1B throws to the 2B behind the runner, he then tags the runner out. Have to watch the runner earlier in the game to see if he looks in when stealing, also kind of dangerous because you would hate to come up and throw the ball into right field.

[Ohfor]

Another great play, but not really a trick play is a double suicide.

Runners on 2nd and 3rd. Squeeze play. Runner on 2nd gets a huge lead and just keeps running all the way home.

3B fields ball, realizes no play at home, throws to first. If runner on 2nd is just above average in speed it is difficult to get him. Most of the time the 1B is sleeping and there is no play at the plate.

If run properly, with runner on 2B getting a good jump, he should already be rounding 3B before the 3B fields the ball.

[soberdennis]

I like the hidden ball trick myself. Standard, not really complex, and I've pulled it off a couple times at first.
Gene Michael loved to pull the hidden ball trick with the Yanks.
He'd visit the mound to talk to the pitcher. While there the pitcher would slip the ball into Michael's mitt. As soon as a runner took a lead off second, he'd tag him out. Beautiful when it worked.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Some might say the "fake poput throw" is dirty. I myself am not too sure. Any thoughts?

[Jake Patterson]

Hey! That's pretty cool. My favorite trick play is anything that will piss off the umpire... :grouchy

Why on God's green earth would you want to piss the umpire off???

[Jake Patterson]

I am not sure if I would call this a trick play as much as it is a smart play.

Man on 2nd leading off with a 2 and 1 lead (Out 2 steps back one)

Shortstop shadows back and forth with his last advance being off the right shoulder of the runner. On the last move the shortstops exagerates moving back to his position off the right shoulder of the runner so the runner sees him. Shortstop signals with his left hand to the pitcher who is now in his stretch. SS breaks to the bag- pitcher spins and throws getting the runner. The key is timing the play properly. We picked 4 runners this year doing this.

[MastaFigZ]

What my team did to pull off the hidden ball trick was I picked off to first and then the 1st baseman missed the tag (on purpose) and then he walked over to me and pretended to put the ball in my glove. Then he walked back and walked around the base while I walked around the mound. Then when the runner wandered around the bag the 1st baseman tagged him out. It was amazing to watch it work.



Figz

[Ursa Major]

In our 11-12 y/o league, kids try a variation ten times a game. No one falls for it anymore. It slows the game and is really bush to do it each time. Some runners ask for time every time they advance a base or there's a pickoff attempt, just to make sure they're protected. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz

[apbaseball12]

This one has worked at my highschool many times.
With a runner on second, the pitcher picks to second and both the shortstop and second basemen dive for the "ball". The pitcher doesnt throw the ball but pretends to and then keeps it in his glove. The pitcher points to the outfield yelling "BALL!! BALL!" The centerfielder turns and starts running. The pitcher then tags out the runner running to third.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Does anyone actually know if what is suggested in post 48 is legal? I suspect it isnt. BlueSteve??

[brookspw]

Does anyone actually know if what is suggested in post 48 is legal? I suspect it isnt. BlueSteve??

I'm wondering the same -- can anyone confirm?

I suspect it IS legal, though you'd want to brief the umpires before the game or they'd likely call him out or stop the play.

[brookspw]

Can someone shed light on this?

Player on 3rd breaks and is stealing home -- as on a squeeze. Batter turns as if to bunt. Misses the bunt. To what extent, if any, is that batter required to move out of the box (right handed batter)?

Seems that I'd heard he was not required to vacate his spot/stance.

[LonBlue67]

I'm wondering the same -- can anyone confirm?

I suspect it IS legal, though you'd want to brief the umpires before the game or they'd likely call him out or stop the play.

Absolutely legal.

[LonBlue67]

Can someone shed light on this?

Player on 3rd breaks and is stealing home -- as on a squeeze. Batter turns as if to bunt. Misses the bunt. To what extent, if any, is that batter required to move out of the box (right handed batter)?

Seems that I'd heard he was not required to vacate his spot/stance.

Interference can be called through intentional or abnormal/extraordinary movement within the box, or if the umpire judges that there was sufficient time for the batter to vacate the box and he did not. On a squeeze play the standard/bar will be set high, ie, the batter will have to do something blatant/clearly avoidable to garner an interference call.

OBR 6.06c

[brookspw]

Interference can be called through intentional or abnormal/extraordinary movement within the box, or if the umpire judges that there was sufficient time for the batter to vacate the box and he did not. On a squeeze play the standard/bar will be set high, ie, the batter will have to do something blatant/clearly avoidable to garner an interference call.

OBR 6.06c

Basically, I'm telling them that if they miss the bunt to stay put. Our runner should be right on them anyway as many/most of the 13u pitcher go to the windup if bases are loaded.

[JeffFrancoeur7]

the best trick play i have seen was "oh ****". my high school team ran it quite often(even against one team twice and it worked both times). with a runner on second the pitcher picks to second but in stead of throwing the ball he leaves it in his glove. the short stop and second run into the outfield gap and so do the out fielders. meanwhile the first baseman covers second and the runner is caught trying to take third. classic


We do that too!!! But since I am in an 11U league, the fences are shorter.

So after the ball is "thrown" to the second baseman the centerfielder hits the fence to make it sound like the ball rolling to the fence. And you also need very good communication to do that play correctly.

[paul5150]

Just wandering if this is legal....ive seen it happen a couple times and 1 time it was called a balk and the other time it was said to be legal.

The pitcher goes up to the mound and goes to his set, but really he either still has his foot beside or behind the mound. He then strides towards home and fakes throwing the ball home. Then at this time the runner will be taking his secondary lead when the pitcher jjust turns and pics off he runner. ANy help would be appritiated.

[LonBlue67]

Just wandering if this is legal....ive seen it happen a couple times and 1 time it was called a balk and the other time it was said to be legal.

The pitcher goes up to the mound and goes to his set, but really he either still has his foot beside or behind the mound. He then strides towards home and fakes throwing the ball home. Then at this time the runner will be taking his secondary lead when the pitcher jjust turns and pics off he runner. ANy help would be appritiated.


It is a balk if the pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher’s plate. Reference is 8.05 (g).

[wogdoggy]

runners on second and third.pitcher opts for pitching from windup.both feet on rubber BUT steps back with wrong foot.runners move pitcher spins for pickoff.

[paul5150]

runners on second and third.pitcher opts for pitching from windup.both feet on rubber BUT steps back with wrong foot.runners move pitcher spins for pickoff.


haha thats a good one, ive done it a few times. I love seing the guy who got out cuz he has no idea what just happend.

[baseball=my life]

Not one team in my league tries any of these. But has anyone seen what the Giants tried to do last month?

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

What did they try? I didn't see it...

[virg]

Roy Campanella used a white sponge inside his mitt, to further cushion the pitches. With runners on First and Third in a crunch situation, after a pitch he 'pegged' the sponge to First... and you can guess the rest.

Per Hank Greenberg (in his book) Babe Ruth pulled the following twice in the same week in Right field. Runners on base, solid high fly ball to right, he breaks hard for the wall but then lets up, hands on hips, slumped in disgusted posture, 'watching' the ball seem to pass over as if it's a homer. Runners respond to his cue, loaf for home. Ball drops into his mit and he doubles a runner off.

Yrs Truly in Center, many times. Runner on base, ball in play in center. Charge ball, turn back and reach downward while carefully snagging it. That downward 'reach' is only a low windup for a peg to the next base. Runners and base coaches respond to the turn-bend- and- reach. A careful lively clean peg will be there long before the runner, and he will be there nearly every time. Good way to stifle a rally, and you need not be a Clemente. Do need to be able to turn and fire accurately.

Seeing the OF's butt is the cue that does it to both the runners and coaches. The best part is hearing them bickering with eachother afterward. Just Love getting them mad at eachother.

[hellborn]

How about throwing behind a batter's head and trying to tip his bat for a foul strike/near beanball?
Used to play against a guy in 30+ baseball who seemed to try to do this. He got a foul tip off one of my teammates and then managed to hit my bat after the ball glanced off my neck. The jerkos on his team argued bitterly that the ball hit the bat first, then my neck!!!
I really, really hated that team...worst bunch of guys you could meet.

[CanadianKid]

Don't know if this play was posted before but once we were tied in a championship game with runners on the corners and 1 outand the runner on first took off for 2nd before the pitcher went home and faked falling and got caught in a run down long enough for the go ahead run to score :D

[zack929bb]

This one works many times. Runners on 3rd and second and the pitcher decided to go from stretch. He lift his leg and fakes to third then spins around and throws to second. works many times.

[zack929bb]

another one is ur on defense...a guys in on first and stealing second...have ur second baseman say to him "HEY U GOTTA GO BACK " most timeshe will go back.:D

[zack929bb]

runner on second and third of bases loaded. Have an experienced catcher and pitcher and shortsop. your pitcher goes from the windup second basemanplays further to first than normal to have the runner on second base get a biiger lead. shortstop in his regular position. shortstop waits about 4 second then breaks to second. as shortstop is breaking to second the catcher drops is mitt to the ground. when the pitcher sees that catcher drop his mitt he turns around (steps off with his right foot if he is a righty or steps of with his left foot if he is a lefty) and fires the ball to second base:crazy

[J-MAC]

R.I.P- where the short stop goes behind the runner taps him on the right part of his leg or butt. The runner looks over and the catcher pops his glove with his fist to let the pitcher know to throw over to second base, the second baseman slides in and the runner on second base looks like a complete tool. Caught 3 people in one game with this play. I know it's not legal because you can't distract the runner. But the umpire has his back turned on the play because he has to watch the pitcher for a balk. I would not consider this bat sportsmanship i would just consider this takeing advantage of a dumb runner.

Willy- Runner takes lead at second base, pitcher attemps to pick him off but "accidently" slips off the mound and throws an errant throw into centre field(he actually tucks the ball in his glove as he is falling down). then the short stop and second baseman both dive up the middler and stary yelling to the centr fielder OVER THERE, OVER THERE. The centre fielder take off to try and get the imganry ball. as this happens the 3rd base coach is yelling at the runner to move to third at this time pitcher get up with the ball in his glove and throws to 3rd for the out. has about a 75% succes rate

Classic- on offence 1st and third runner on first base steals and half way trips over his shoes on purpose. Runner at third brakes for home. Simple but effectve

[Go Cardinals]

best is hidden ball trick. At first base, I got 2 people out this season (20 games, play each team twice, so really 10 games because they watch for it next time).

[adamsowell]

I just thought of this today watching the game on ESPN. Runner at third. Flyball to any OF, deep enough for the guy to tag. Hold your glove up like you're gonna catch it above your head, but at the last second, drop your glove down to make a basket catch. If the runner was timing your catch and watching the baseline instead of watching the OF, he will leave early and the defense could appeal at third.

that sounds pretty good. hopefully the umpire is paying attention.

the basket catch does sound alittle risky though..... maybe if you have time to fake a quick catch and and partial throw then catch the ball and just go directly to 3rd if he leaves early.

[zack929bb]

that sounds pretty good. hopefully the umpire is paying attention.

the basket catch does sound alittle risky though..... maybe if you have time to fake a quick catch and and partial throw then catch the ball and just go directly to 3rd if he leaves early.

Don't you think the third base runner will see the ball till in the air...maybe it would work oin a night game

[zack929bb]

fake to third throw to first works everytime in 13s ...but dont throw the ball right away the guys on first base might already be halfway to second just throw it to second.

[zack929bb]

and for the hidden ball trick...does the pitcher stand behind the rubber and make it look like hes on it??? or where does he stand

[Jake Patterson]

and for the hidden ball trick...does the pitcher stand behind the rubber and make it look like hes on it??? or where does he stand

No he has to be off the mound or its a balk.

[wogdoggy]

You are a catcher, right? Of anyone on the field, you ought ot get a rapport with the umpire and be very friendly with him. Protect him from getting hit and he will warn you if the pitcher is doing something illegal like not coming set and other infractions rathing than balking him or calling some other infraction.

You piss him off, you may not get borderline calls and he'll be more than happy to balk your pitcher. Of course, if you really tick him off, you may end up watching the rest of the game.

Oh yeah, while we are at it, do publically humiliate an umpire like when coach ask where was that pitch and tell him "on the corner" or something like that. Say "outside" and in the dugout he missed that pitch. Often an umpire will admit that he missed a pitch to you, that is if he trusts you.

This about what you do out there. Those guys are human too, and must put up with too much (excrement) way too often.



And if you cant get the call drop your glove a couple of times...lol..just kidding:hyper:

[GotMelk?]

I attemped to pull off the hidden ball trick. Didn't work so well the guy on third kept on f'in with me. he was a fast runner and I am a big guy.

When a pop up is hit to you get right under it and throw your arms up like if you can't see the ball. The runner most likely will start to run. When you catch it throw him out at the base because he didn't tag up.

[wogdoggy]

the best trick play i have seen was "oh ****". my high school team ran it quite often(even against one team twice and it worked both times). with a runner on second the pitcher picks to second but in stead of throwing the ball he leaves it in his glove. the short stop and second run into the outfield gap and so do the out fielders. meanwhile the first baseman covers second and the runner is caught trying to take third. classic




what kind of bush league team would this work against? somebody tried this on us and we laughed and laughed and really got the other coach P.Oed...If you get caught on this one you ought to try soccer





same type of play????
Willy- Runner takes lead at second base, pitcher attemps to pick him off but "accidently" slips off the mound and throws an errant throw into centre field(he actually tucks the ball in his glove as he is falling down). then the short stop and second baseman both dive up the middler and stary yelling to the centr fielder OVER THERE, OVER THERE. The centre fielder take off to try and get the imganry ball. as this happens the 3rd base coach is yelling at the runner to move to third at this time pitcher get up with the ball in his glove and throws to 3rd for the out. has about a 75% succes rate



75 percent against what age group 8 and under?

[Go Cardinals]

and for the hidden ball trick...does the pitcher stand behind the rubber and make it look like hes on it??? or where does he stand

He walks around, he makes it look like he is about to go on the rubber, but obviously never does. We do this to the sub players who aren't smart enough to know not to wait untill the pitcher is on the rubber.

[Go Cardinals]

what kind of bush league team would this work against? somebody tried this on us and we laughed and laughed and really got the other coach P.Oed...If you get caught on this one you ought to try soccer

I've seen it work well, it's really good if you execute it. Also the dads in the seats will yell for the kids to run. It's funny when they get picked off.

[TG Coach]

fake to third throw to first works everytime in 13s ...but dont throw the ball right away the guys on first base might already be halfway to second just throw it to second.

What level of play? I never saw it work in USSSA AAA or Majors.

[Go Cardinals]

What level of play? I never saw it work in USSSA AAA or Majors.

I've seen it work in Juniors (LL) Pony, and Babe Ruth. Any League with leads and pickoffs it can work.

[TG Coach]

I did this by accident. The opposing fans thought it was a trick and gave it to me for the remainder of the game. I've been told it's been done as a trick.

Runners on second and third, less than two outs ... Batter swings at a ball in the dirt, misses and the ball gets away from the catcher. I was coaching first. I thought it was strike three. I yelled, "Run! Run! Run!" The hitter takes off for first. The catcher retrieves the ball and throws it into rightfield allowing two runs to score.

The opposing coaches and fans were on me the rest of the game. I told them the catcher should have known the count. I offered to let the catcher do twenty-five pushups with my hitter and me at our next practice for not knowing the count.

[utility91]

runner on 2nd shortstop and second both off the bag, pitcher steps off, fake throws, the whole team looks back like it went past and the fielders dive, your whole team is yelling run, pitcher pulls it out right when he starts running.
a classic.

[wogdoggy]

runner on 2nd shortstop and second both off the bag, pitcher steps off, fake throws, the whole team looks back like it went past and the fielders dive, your whole team is yelling run, pitcher pulls it out right when he starts running.
a classic.



maybe the baserunners should keep their eye on the ball like we teach our 7 yr olds..

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

As a catcher, blocking a ball in the dirt with a runner on second and then pretend that you have lost it, hoping that the runner on second will start to run.

I have done that several times and sometimes I succeeded in throwing out the runner at third easily.

[Ursa Major]

As a catcher, blocking a ball in the dirt with a runner on second and then pretend that you have lost it, hoping that the runner on second will start to run.

I have done that several times and sometimes I succeeded in throwing out the runner at third easily.It helps if the catcher throws his mask off and breaks back to the backstop to sell the stunt. We had a catcher pull that off twice in a week (in 11-12 y/o ball). Next weekend, he tried it again and sure enough the runner on second took off for third and was dead meat. The third base coach started jumping up and down and screamed, "I told you guys all week not to fall for that trick!!" Some kids just can't resist the bait.

[wogdoggy]

It helps if the catcher throws his mask off and breaks back to the backstop to sell the stunt. We had a catcher pull that off twice in a week (in 11-12 y/o ball). Next weekend, he tried it again and sure enough the runner on second took off for third and was dead meat. The third base coach started jumping up and down and screamed, "I told you guys all week not to fall for that trick!!" Some kids just can't resist the bait.



Good play,,BUT,,baserunners, doing there job correctly and keeping their eyes on the ball 100% of the time would make bluffs like that fruitless.


be the ball billy:D

[CanadianKid]

We've done a play, not really a trick play just taking advantage of other players. I know it's been done numerous times in the majors but with a runner on first and the batter hits a pop up in the infield if he gets frustrated and doesnt run infielders let the pop up drop and turn a double play.

[Ricepancakes]

isn't that a infield fly rule?

a play that worked for us a couple of times was runners at first and third, runner at first runs for second catcher throws to shortstop who quickly throws back to catcher to get the runner at third trying to steal home.

Also if i'm a runner at third and the catcher is being lazy by lobbing the ball at the pitcher or not checking me back at third i dart home. works most of the time but seems unlikely to work in high school

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

isn't that a infield fly rule?No, you have to have runners on first and second, or the bases loaded.

[Jake Patterson]

I'm not one who concetrates on trick plays but here's one I've used in HS.

31-G0
Situation: Man on first, 0-1 out. The other coach is upset/concerned with what is happening with his team. His team is upset with what he's mad about- maybe a visit to the mound. Focus is on the pitcher and defense not the batter. Long count goes 1-0, batter steps out, 2-0, batter steps out, 2-1, 3-1. On 3-1 the batter throws the bat and heads for first like he's been walked. He does not listen to the ump calling him back or the players/coach yelling it's only ball three. Runner on first moves to second. The key is for the hitter, R1 and first base coach to sell the move.

Depending on the team you play it's 50/50.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

So the idea is that the runner on 1B gets essentially a free pass to second, and that a good catcher would throw to second and get the guy in a rundown?

Also, wouldn't the ump send the player now on second back to first?

[zack929bb]

So the idea is that the runner on 1B gets essentially a free pass to second, and that a good catcher would throw to second and get the guy in a rundown?

Also, wouldn't the ump send the player now on second back to first?


That's a good point you bring up. A good catcher should throw the ball to second and have the second baseman tag him. A good umpire might know that trick play and not send the runner back to first. The other coach might keep arguing though.:rant:

[Jake Patterson]

Also, wouldn't the ump send the player now on second back to first?

No it's a live ball. Runner gets the bag.

[TonyK]

Pitchers and catchers have used the potato trick (overthrow the base with a small potato and then run and tag out the baserunner) for 100 years, but it is now illegal.

My son almost got caught off of 2B by a trick play. He stole 2B and then stood up, as the catcher never attempted to throw him out. One of the middle infielders then told him it was a foul ball. He looked around and decided it must have been a foul ball, so he started jogging back to 1B. The pitcher now had the ball but did not notice what was happening behind him. Both base coaches hollered and my son got back to 2B before the pitcher could throw him out. It was a good lesson to learn without costing him an out.

[beisbolcrazy22]

With runner on all the bases. Fake the pick off to third and instead of throwing to first as typical, go to second. Have the time the guy is leading off waiting for the flip to first base.

[Pauld]

wat i love doing is if yur on 3rd, and the pitcher is set take a HUGE lead. once the catcher gets it he might fake the throw to 3rd. wen he does take a bigger lead, and see if he throws. do it continuously. once he does throw it to 3rd, run home, and u score right there.

[dawgman88]

I have no idea if this is still around, but if you have a runner on 3rd and you are the 3rd base coach, you ask the pitcher to see the ball. Then if he decides to throw it you just step aside. Easy score.

[Jake Patterson]

I have no idea if this is still around, but if you have a runner on 3rd and you are the 3rd base coach, you ask the pitcher to see the ball. Then if he decides to throw it you just step aside. Easy score.

That would be pretty bush. IMO

[beisbolcrazy22]

You sure about that???
If he is running I believe you can throw to third. Or do you have to step off first???

Fishers Webb

We did a play that worked most of the time. With a runner on third and second or bases loaded; fake the pickoff to third and yo uwould normally go to first. Instead fake to third and go to second. The guys is almost always watching the play going to first. We got three guys this way last summer.

[JeepTJ12]

Runners on first and third. This mostly works for a lefty pitcher. The runner on first gets a huge lead. The pitcher throws to pick him off. As soon as the pitcher throws over, the man on third creeps down the line pretty far. The runner at first dives back to 1st about 10-15ft behind the bag. The 1st baseman will turn and try to stretch tag the runner at first. As soon as the guy on third sees this than he breaks for home. This of course has to be done with less than 2 outs. I've seen this work a lot.:shhh:

[anarchyyy666]

not sure if this is a balk or not, but here we go. just thought this up during some past games, and it really would have worked, if it's not a balk.

runner on second, and you know for a fact that he's running, perhaps its a 3-2, 2 outs or maybe youve stolen a sign :rolleyes: and know hes takin off to third. pitcher comes from the stretch of course, but insted of a slidestep move, you move to the normal stretch. lift the leg, runner decides you've commited, and the pitcher picks off to third, catchign the runner dead or forcing a hotbox... any feedback?

It is not a balk as long as you are preventing the runner from taking third. If you throw to third without the runner actually making an attempt to steal, it is a balk.

[anarchyyy666]

This play probably wouldn't work much. If your third base coach had any brains at all he would be watching for you and tells you when the second basemen tries to come behind you.

[The Glovedoctor]

a play we used to pull of in HS that worked a few times....

Runner on first.

Right fielder plays the line and shallow, first baseman plays off the bag. When the pitcher comes set, RF creeps in behind first. Pitcher pitches out and the catcher fires the ball over the first baseman's head, where the RFer is waiting for it.

Most of the time, the runner will take off for 2nd thinking the throw was wild. First baseman gets back to the bag as soon as the runner takes off and RFer guns the runner at 1st or 2nd.

Takes coordination, but works sometimes.

[KNIGHTTIME24]

runner on 2nd base, pitcher steps off the mound and keeps the ball in his glove "throws" (no ball in hand) over to second the shortstop and 2nd baseman dive into the dirt as if the ball is going past them. the centerfielder starts running in as if the ball is in the outfield, then if the runner starts to go to third the pitcher runs at the runner and tags him for an out.

p.s. it doesn't hurt if you have people yelling "get the ball" or "go"