Diamondbacks Manager Apologizes to Cubs Following Sign Stealing Incident

<p>Sign stealing is a long-standing tradition in baseball, often misunderstood. It is legal for a runner on second base to relay signs from the catcher to the hitter, while it is the responsibility of the pitcher and catcher to devise strategies to protect their signals.</p><p>The Houston Astros' sign stealing scandal in 2017 and 2018 highlighted the potential for abuse, particularly when teams use technology to relay signs from the dugout, which is considered cheating. This distinction is why the Astros' 2017 World Series title is viewed with skepticism.</p><p>Despite advancements in technology that have changed how signs are communicated, sign stealing remains a part of the game, whether through observing tipping or decoding physical movements. This topic became contentious during a recent game between the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks.</p><p>The Cubs and Diamondbacks faced off in Phoenix, with tensions rising during the fifth inning of Chicago's 7-0 victory on Monday. The Diamondbacks believed that Cubs' third base coach Quintin Berry was illegally picking up signs from pitcher Merrill Kelly and relaying them from his position on the field.</p><p>Kelly commented after the game, stating, "Stealing signs is as old as baseball," but expressed that he found it unacceptable when it comes from a coach, calling it "a little bulls--- when it comes from a coach." He clarified that if a player on second base observes a grip in the glove or other signals, that is fair game, but outside interference is not.</p><p>This disagreement led to a shouting match between the dugouts, with Arizona personnel vocally confronting Berry. Manager Torey Lovullo, pitching coach Brian Kaplan, and bench coach Jeff Banister were particularly vocal in their objections.</p><p>Lovullo contacted Major League Baseball to confirm whether Berry's actions were against the rules. After the game on Tuesday, he informed the media that the league confirmed that the Cubs had not violated any regulations. "It was a fantastic conversation," Lovullo said, adding that as long as coaches remain within their coaching boxes, their actions are permissible. He later reached out to Cubs manager Craig Counsell to apologize for the misunderstanding.</p><p>Counsell expressed appreciation for Lovullo's gesture, stating, "I think the world of Torey. I think he runs a great ship here." He acknowledged the value of their conversations.</p><p>The incident serves as a reminder that sign stealing remains a part of baseball, even as the game evolves with technology.</p>