Chapter 17. Defensive Signs and the PickOff

The second baseman and shortstop have the responsibility of keeping the outfield "informed" on each pitch and look for pickoff plays. If no sign is given, the outfield can assume the catcher has called for a fast ball. If the catcher calls for a curve, the infielder might make some natural movement as a pickoff sign-a hitch of the belt, a kick at the dirt, a tug at the pant leg.

Up to the high school level, the relay of a catcher's sign to the outfield is not necessary, except on a pitch-out. The out is part of a defensive play used to catch a runner stealing, or to pick a runner off a base when he has too long a lead. The throw is always hurried and, with young bal players, often erratic. It is helpful if outfielders know in ad- yam ;e that a pitch-out, is to be attempted. As soon as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, they can rush into back up The bases involved in the play. This relaying of the pitch out sign to the outfield should be started at the 13-year-old level; sooner if possible.

The PickOff

There are pickoff plays for every base. Some are started by the catcher, some by the pitcher. Many are "natural" and do not follow a sign. The catcher's pick-off signs, like all signs, are not obvious. They might include a touch of the mask, a touch of the chest protector or a touch of the right knee. After a pick-off sign is given, the catcher calls for a pitch-out. He wants to keep the ball away from the hitter and, at the same time, be able to shift quickly into position for a clear throw.

Here are two common pick-off plays involving the catcher and started with a Sign:

There's a runner on 1st base with none out. The score is tied in the 7th inning. The situation calls for a bunt. The catcher gives the pick-off and pitch-out signs. The pitcher steps on the rubber, stretches and throws. As the pitcher makes his move, the first baseman charges the plate, the second baseman races to first, the right fielder runs in to back up 1st. The catcher steps clear, throws to the second baseman to catch the runner off 1st.

A similar pickoff play can be worked at 3rd base, with the third baseman charging in on the pitch and the shortstop going to the bag behind the runner to take the catcher's throw. The left fielder, of course, runs in to back up 3rd in the event of an overthrow.

"Right Down the Alley"

The pitcher, too, can be involved in a pickoff play that starts with a Sign. This pickoff play, which is timed, is used when a runner is careless about leaving 2nd base. Professionals say that if the pitcher can see daylight between the runner and the shortstop-he's got an out. The daylight, of course, is to the 3rd base side of the shortstop. The out is obtained when the pitcher whirls and throws to the shortstop as he cuts to the bag from behind the runner. Few plays require as much teamwork as this one.

The sign, an extremely important part of the play, can be given by the shortstop, pitcher or catcher. When the shortstop is elected to give it, he usually does so by voice-by a phrase inserted in his regular line of infield chatter.

If timed correctly, the pitcher will be whirling to throw (on the count of "three") just as the shortstop is one step from the base. Shortstop and ball arrive at the same time. The runner* presumably, is caught flat-footed, or reacts too late.

It is recommended that the pitcher be designated as the player to give the signal for this play. He knows, better than anyone else, whether he can pick the runner off. He has better control of the situation than anyone else-and he's not forced to throw against his will.

Most shortstops are too eager to make this play and rarely are consistent about starting for the bag.

When the catcher is chosen to give the Sign, other difficulties crop up. If the pitcher is looking, the shortstop may not be. If the shortstop is looking, the pitcher may not be. Then, too, the centerfielder may miss the Sign.

Since a pitcher can't move any part of his body but his head while on the rubber (unless he's going to throw), he uses his head to give the Sign. Some pitchers do it with a significant head-bob. Others, after looking at the runner, turn their heads immediately to the plate if they're going to pitch. If they want the shortstop to go in behind the runner, they turn the head slowly away from the runner, then stare at 3rd. As soon as the pitcher's head stops in this quarter turn, the shortstop breaks for the bag and the pitcher starts his count.

Other pitchers, as they look at 3rd, very naturally lick their lips, or drop their chins. Either pickoff sign means "go!" to the shortstop and centerfielder.

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