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Signals in Youth BaseballBy Steven Saslow, Blackstone
Introduction
Before retirement, Steven Saslow served New York City’s Blackstone Group as chief investment officer and managing director of the Blackstone Relative Value Fund. Currently pursuing a consistent fitness routine and other interests, Steven Saslow previously coached both of his sons' Little League baseball teams in Yorkville, Manhattan.
Teaching the fundamentals of baseball is one of a Little League coach’s top priorities when working with younger players. A lesson involving third-base coaching signals is one of the first a young player should receive.
Signals
The third-base coach can give signals to both the batter and a runner on second base. The coach can also, of course, speak directly to a runner on third base and can relay signals to the first-base coach. A coach’s signals to base runners will be relegated to stealing or not stealing. Coaches can give batters a number of additional signals, such as calling for a bunt or for the batter to take the following pitch rather than swing.
Every coach and team will have their own personalized signals, though they are usually common gestures and movements, such as placing a specific hand over a knee or touching the bill of a baseball cap.
Conclusion
Many coaches also use an indicator to further conceal signals from the opposing team. For example, a coach’s indicator might be to touch his or her nose. If the coach does not touch his or her nose, players know that none of the following signals should be taken. Some coach’s will also utilize a wipe-off signal, which essentially withdraws any live signals that have been given.