For much of this MLB postseason, there was speculation about the Houston Astros’ ability to pick up their opponents’ signs — whether it be from tipped pitches or actual sign stealing. But now, it’s looking more like the latter.
According to The Athletic, former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers and three anonymous Astros sources said that Houston spent the 2017 season — the Astros’ championship season — stealing signs at home games with the help of a strategically placed outfield camera.
MLB rules prohibit teams from using technology to steal signs, and while the Astros aren’t the only team to be accused of stealing signs in recent years, their efforts may have been the most brazen.
The Athletic report points specifically to an outing from then-White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar in 2017. Via The Athletic:
“There was a banging from the dugout, almost like a bat hitting the bat rack every time a changeup signal got put down,” said Farquhar, who is now the pitching coach with the White Sox’s High-A affiliate in Winston-Salem, N.C. “After the third one, I stepped off. I was throwing some really good changeups and they were getting fouled off. After the third bang, I stepped off.”
And the video supports Farquhar’s claim. Jomboy Media’s Jimmy O’Brien uncovered the footage and singled out the apparent banging on the dugout during an Evan Gattis at-bat.
The banging noise came immediately after — and only after — the changeup sign was shown, which was an obvious tip-off to Farquhar who grew frustrated on the mound.
The Astros weren’t even trying to hide their efforts. It was right there in the open and audible on the broadcast.
This will be something that the league undoubtedly takes a closer look at.
