Cal Ripken used to "tip off" the opposition (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

Not sure if anyone else saw the interview Bob Costas did with Ripken on his MLB Network show the other night.

It was quite good.

One of the surprising things Cal revealed is that if there was a hidden-ball trick planned, he would tell the opposition it was coming. Here was the example he used. (I'm paraphrasing here from memory, but it's pretty close) ... "Let's say Derek Jeter or someone was standing on second base. I'd walk up to him and say 'stay right there -- don't move off the bag' ... and they would look at me like I was crazy. Then sure enough, the runner discovered that the 2nd baseman still had the ball in his glove."

Costas was pretty stunned at this admission.

Ripken explained that he viewed stuff like that as amateur hour, and that he established a mutual trust and respect with opponents by tipping them off. He also said he never signaled the batter what pitch was coming when HE was standing on 2nd base. The game must be played the right way... blah blah blah.

Not sure how I feel about this, honestly.

 

[cobalt_27]

Not sure if anyone else saw the interview Bob Costas did with Ripken on his MLB Network show the other night.

It was quite good.

One of the surprising things Cal revealed is that if there was a hidden-ball trick planned, he would tell the opposition it was coming. Here was the example he used. (I'm paraphrasing here from memory, but it's pretty close) ... "Let's say Derek Jeter or someone was standing on second base. I'd walk up to him and say 'stay right there -- don't move off the bag' ... and they would look at me like I was crazy. Then sure enough, the runner discovered that the 2nd baseman still had the ball in his glove."

Costas was pretty stunned at this admission.

Ripken explained that he viewed stuff like that as amateur hour, and that he established a mutual trust and respect with opponents by tipping them off. He also said he never signaled the batter what pitch was coming when HE was standing on 2nd base. The game must be played the right way... blah blah blah.

Not sure how I feel about this, honestly.

He's absolutely right, it is bush league. I don't know if I can articulate what's different. I mean, I understand that the point of mixing up curves and sliders with fastballs is an effort to "trick" the batter. But, something about that feels very different to me than tricking a baserunner into thinking the pitcher has the ball when, in fact, the 2B or 1B guy has it. It's just stupid. And, I applaud Cal for (a) having none of it during his playing days and (b) discussing it now.Maybe someone can explain what's different about it. But, I'll just say for now that I agree with him wholeheartedly.

 

[Tuco]

Thread title makes you think he was telling opposing hitters what pitch was coming, or something along those lines. This is a non issue.

 

[Raider Nation]

He's absolutely right, it is bush league.

Remember former Orioles pitcher Tim Stoddard? All 6'7" of him.He was there when Ripken came up. I imagine that Cal would eaten a fist after the game if this was common knowledge.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

What an idiot.

 

[Raider Nation]

What an idiot.

Me or Cal?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Thread title makes you think he was telling opposing hitters what pitch was coming, or something along those lines. This is a non issue.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

The bigger story involving Ripken is that idiot owner not hiring him because he allegedly didn't want Cal to get credit when the team turned it around and returned to prominence.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

That said, this is not something Ripken should be proud of.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Did he say anything about beating the crap out of Kevin Costner?

 

[PIK95]

What an idiot.

If I was his coach I woulda benched his ### if I found this out. I personaly believe he's not as good if he doesn't get a day off now and then and that would be my justification to him. Jerk.

 

[PIK95]

I don't like it.It's one thing to say, "I'm above X" so if Cal doesn't want his teammates signaling him pitches when he's at bat, fine. But to actively work against what your team is doing because it offends your personal idea of how things should be, is nothing to be proud of. I could see it if you knew your pitcher was scuffing the ball or your cleanup hitter was corking your bat, but there's nothing illegal in the hidden ball play. It's just unconventional and not the traditional idea of baseball skill.

 

[Sam Quentin]

I don't like it.It's one thing to say, "I'm above X" so if Cal doesn't want his teammates signaling him pitches when he's at bat, fine. But to actively work against what your team is doing because it offends your personal idea of how things should be, is nothing to be proud of. I could see it if you knew your pitcher was scuffing the ball or your cleanup hitter was corking your bat, but there's nothing illegal in the hidden ball play. It's just unconventional and not the traditional idea of baseball skill.

This is what I'm thinking

 

[Leroy Hoard]

The worst part is his teammates never got a break from Ripken doing it.

 

[shadyridr]

How many times in his career did they actually try the hidden ball trick? Less than 5?

 

[Polecat]

If your not cheating then your not trying.

 

[Seymour Corn]

Where was this now? In Jamaiica?

 

[Chiwawa]

Ripken's a rube.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

What an idiot.

Me or Cal?

Cal. Ripken too.

 

[Sweet Love]

He's absolutely right, it is bush league.

Remember former Orioles pitcher Tim Stoddard? All 6'7" of him.He was there when Ripken came up. I imagine that Cal would eaten a fist after the game if this was common knowledge.

Good thing he had "Bad ####" Billy Ripken to back him up...

 

[Mr. Retukes]

I don't like it.

It's one thing to say, "I'm above X" so if Cal doesn't want his teammates signaling him pitches when he's at bat, fine. But to actively work against what your team is doing because it offends your personal idea of how things should be, is nothing to be proud of. I could see it if you knew your pitcher was scuffing the ball or your cleanup hitter was corking your bat, but there's nothing illegal in the hidden ball play. It's just unconventional and not the traditional idea of baseball skill.

If you want to tell your teammates that it's stupid and that you refuse to participate, fine.

But to tell the opposition anything -- that's weak.