The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-26

second Syrem used IS the one Tor Dattlng
and base running BY this the hit and
managed, and these matters are of vital
Importance in the cIose-score games
that are the rule at present. The third
bunch of signals refer to the fielding of
the club and the covering of the bases,
where two or more fielders are in posi-
ton to do this.
Several important things must be
considered in making up a code of sig
nails One of the foremost of these is to
get the signs as plain as possible with
out making them so conspicuous that
the opposing team will be able to get
them. In order to do this the signals
must be such that they can be readily
seen without the one giving them being
obliged to assume any particular posi-
ton, as this would give the opposing
team chance to- guess when signals
were being given and might conceal
them from some of the players they
are intended for. Hence signals should
be so planned that they can be given
by any one from the bench or any part
of the diamond. Furthermore, it is
good plan to have two ways of giving
the same signal. as this keeps the OPP
posing team guessing more and mini
mics the chances of signals being
solved.
Signals in use differ as regards those
using them. The most usual way for a
catcher to signal is to make his signs
tween the knees. This is why the catcher
squats down low just before he places
the glove between the knees with the
flap of the chest protector almost cover
signals being given away is from a man
on second base, as neither the runners
nor the coachers at first and third bases
can see what is going on. On the other
hand it is never safe to judge that the.
catcher is using hand signals, even when
he does squat and go through the mo-
signals Catchers signal by the use OF
they place their hands about the mask
or adjust the latter. Sometimes they
even use the placing of the feet as sig
nal The main thing is to have the sig
nails plain enough for other members OF
the team to understand what to expect
layed by player in the inheld to the
outfelders:. When a pitcher does not
he refuses the sign until the one which
suits him is given. Now and then
fus i a ~ signal when he thinks a batter
suspects what is coming, only to use the
delivery after all.
Batting and base-running signals are
given either by the manager or the play
ers interested in them, though the man
der certain 8a1sn'e conditions. Like catchers
managers have different ways of giving
their SIGNALS. Crossing the. legs, or the
position of the legs and feet, and the
position in which the hands are placed,
are favorite methods of giving signals.
some. So when. Manager McAleer pushes
his hat back on his head, or jams it down
besides that he IS pleased or displeased
with the way the game is going. Sacr1-
manager. Under certain conditions thu
players are permitted to decide whether
they will bunt and try to beat the bunt
run play, and in this instance it is neces-
sary to have the signal given and under
stood If the play IS not to be a failure
With a fast runner on first, who gets
away with the pitch a hit-and-run
Small even fhe b9 Is hit to the in
Held, while a mix on signals means at
least one ne man ma out 3, and possibly a double
held playing out, this is also the case.
Players are instructed to use their own
pressly signaled for, as stealing depends
too much on getting good start and
to be called beforehand. A player may
be told to go down on the first second
such that an attempt to do so would be
SUICIDAL, as the opposing players are look
what counts, and this can be best figured
out by the base runner himself. On the
other hand, the latter must signal the
batter, in order to have the latter help
him along as much as possible by striking
at the ball without hitting it and blocking
a hurry. Base runners and batters de-
pend mostly upon the position of the legs.
going to do Placing the cap in a certain
manner, or in certain position, walking
to the box in a certain way, picking up
dust, or rubbing the hands in the dust
are all fayorite methods ii use also.
Fielding signals are used mostly on
trick plays, with runners on base One
of the best of these fielding tricks is the
one used frequently by the Browns at
hrst- when the second baseman sneaks in
behind the runner while the first baseman
Is holding his attention. This play is
worked both with and without signals.
Signals at second are also needed in order
to get the shortstop and second baseman
on the bag for a throw to catch run
ner mapping or that base or stealing The
snap throw to catch a runner off third
must always be preceded by s. signal and
in most of these cases mentioned the
pitch-out signal Is given the pitcher and
the fielder tipped OF in this way Should
any OF these plays go wrong, owing to a
and the chances for losing game
Such a complete code of signals is what
has made possible the present perfect
team play When the FEEDERS understand
what kind of q ball is going to be pitched
they can guess pretty well where the ball
is going TO be driven, and this fact ac-
counts to small extent for the sIump
years. On the other hand, the batting
and base-running signals have made pos
sible team work on the attacking side
and in a measure Offset the lack of hit
ting, as II has caused even outs to be-
come almost as DANA ging as hits In many
cases. as. for Instance where a man goes
from first to third on a bunt owing to A
fast start On a signal Signals have made
hits of more value, as a runner who has
the signal for a htt-and-run play usually
gets two bases on g. single. What sig
nails have done for the catcher and Pitch