The Hidden Ball Trick in Baseball

If you’re like most baseball fans, you’ve seen the hidden ball trick play a few times. It’s a sneaky way to get an out, and it always seems to work like a charm. But how does it work? And why is it so effective? In this post, we’ll take a look at the hidden ball trick rules, and explore some of the reasons why it’s so successful. Stay tuned!

What is the hidden ball trick?

The hidden ball trick is exactly how it sounds. A player on defense hides the baseball in his glove in an attempt to catch a base runner off-guard. The goal is to record an out, which will eliminate the presence of a base runner.

There are multiple ways to execute this trick, and probably some ways that we have yet to see. In all situations, one thing stays consistent: the base runner is being deceived. The defense wants the base runner to think the ball is no longer with the fielders and with the pitcher.

Before every pitch, a base runner takes a couple of steps off the base to get a lead. However, if an infielder has the ball, he can tag the runner out. This tactic has been used for years, even though it isn’t so common. 

Rules for the hidden ball trick

While the hidden ball trick is legal, a few rules must be abided by during the process. To start, the ball must be in play. A base runner can call time after the conclusion of a play, which protects him from this trick. Also, a walk or a hit-by-pitch would lead to a dead-ball situation.

The pitcher is also not allowed to be on the rubber. The rubber is on the mound and where the pitcher must be to throw a pitch.

It is also illegal for an infielder to hide the ball in his pockets. This used to be legal but has been made illegal in recent years. One way to avoid this trick is for a base runner to wait until the pitcher steps on the rubber to gain his lead.

How does the hidden ball trick happen?

The hidden ball trick happens when a base runner is tricked into thinking the pitcher has the ball instead of the pitcher. This will usually occur after a ball is put into play.

For example, a base runner has advanced from first base to second base on a hit. Once he reaches second, the infielder who has the ball will either hide it or pretend to throw it to the pitcher. The base runner will now assume he is safe to wander off the bag and get his lead.

However, the infielder still has the ball and is waiting for the runner to leave the base. Once the base is left, the fielder tags the runner with the ball in his glove to record an out. This is the typical execution of the hidden ball trick.

What you don’t know about the hidden ball trick

While the hidden ball trick is a fairly simple tactic, there are a few things that many may not know. The trick itself is a legal play, but some forms are not allowed.

For example, the fielder is not allowed to hide the ball under his clothing. The fielder must keep the ball in his glove or behind his back. While this play can be effective, it isn’t something we see very often.

The hidden ball trick happens maybe once a year in Major League Baseball. The reason this trick isn’t too common is because of base coaches. There are coaches at first and third base for the team currently on offense. One of their primary duties is to prevent things like this from happening. If they see the fielder attempting the trick, they will yell out at the runner to stay on the base.

Components of the hidden ball trick

Components that come into play for the hidden ball trick include an infielder and a strategy. There are many different ways to execute the trick, but all of them include an infielder.

For example, a pitcher could fake a pick-off move. The infielder would pretend that the throw was errant and went into the outfield. However, the infielder was hiding the ball in his glove and continuing to tag the runner out the whole time.

The strategy is the biggest component of the hidden ball trick. The trick will go to waste if an effective strategy isn’t used.

Another thing to note is that once a trick is tried once, it most likely will not be attempted again. This is due to an effort to raise awareness among base runners.

When does the hidden ball trick work best?

The hidden ball trick works best when there are runners on base. To be more specific, the easiest one would be with a base runner at second base. This allows for many different strategies to be used.

A fake pick-off move or a simple fake throw to the pitcher are all in play. If a runner is on first or third, a fake pick-off move is no longer on the table. This is due to the majority of pick-off moves being done at first and second base.

The most significant leads taken by base runners are always going to be at second base. By doing this, they create a more likely chance of scoring on a base hit into the outfield. Every step counts for these guys, so they will want to get off the bag as much as they can. When you are off the bag with a big lead, you are also ready to recognize a pick-off move at any second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still an effective play

The hidden ball trick has been a part of the game since its beginning. Teams have this trick in their arsenal if they feel a base runner is being careless on the base path. They can use this trick to get an easy out for their team.

The hidden ball trick is executed when a fielder hides the ball in an attempt to fool the runner. The runner will assume the pitcher has the ball and will take his lead off the base. You can finish the rest of the story after that.