99% Invisible Sign Stealing
Oct 20, 2020
Ben Reiter, a baseball reporter and author of 'The Edge', dives deep into the fascinating history and ethics of sign-stealing in baseball. He discusses the emotional pressures faced by players, particularly pitchers, during intense games. The conversation shifts to the notorious Houston Astros scandal, highlighting their rise to glory intertwined with controversial tactics. Reiter raises thought-provoking questions about the integrity of the sport, reflecting on how this age-old 'game within the game' has evolved into a modern moral dilemma.
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Bolsinger's Demise
- Mike Bolsinger, a journeyman pitcher, had a disastrous outing against the Astros, giving up four runs in a single inning.
- This poor performance led to his demotion to the minor leagues, effectively ending his major league career.
The Astros' Edge
- The Astros employed sign stealing, giving them an unfair advantage by knowing the upcoming pitches.
- Sign stealing involves decoding the catcher's signals and relaying them to the batter.
Early Sign Stealing
- In 1876, the first recorded instance of sign stealing involved a man in a shack overlooking the stadium.
- This early example demonstrates how long sign stealing has existed in baseball.
