After hearing about the Astros cheating scandal in 2017, Dodgers starting pitcher, Trevor Bauer, said, “I’m not going to let them forget the fact that they are hypocrites, they are cheaters, they’ve stolen from a lot of other people and the game itself.” Ever since the Astros sign-stealing scandal in 2017 and part of 2018 was exposed, the MLB has been trying to come up with a way to stop sign-stealing. Their answer, at least for now, is the PitchCom device.
According to the official PitchCom website, they claim that the PitchCom device is a “player-wearable transmitter that allows players on the field to communicate plays to each other without using physical signs or verbal communication.” Before the PitchCom device, a catcher would relay visible hand signals to the pitcher about what type of pitch to throw and where to throw it. Through the use of the PitchCom, catchers are now able to press a button on the device which relays an audio signal to the pitcher’s hat. On the pitcher’s end, they hear something like “high fastball” or “low curveball”.
Not only does this new technology allows players to effectively communicate with one another without the other team having an opportunity to steal signs, but you can also program it to speak other languages such as Spanish. This benefits many foreign players and eliminates communication issues and translators who are often needed by foreign players. The PitchCom device also allows other players on the field, such as the shortstop, to listen in on the selected pitch. Another positive benefit of the PitchCom device is that it supposedly speeds up the game. The quick audio relay from the catcher to the pitcher eliminates any confusion with hand signals.
While there have been many positive benefits of PitchCom, there have also been negative reviews and benefits. For example, Atlanta Braves catcher, Travis d’Arnaud, is NOT a fan of the PitchCom device and said, “I think that it’s rushing the game, rushing the timeless game…you put your two feet in the box, look up and the pitcher is starting his windup.” Travis d’Arnaud seems to prefer the old, traditional game of baseball and does not like the addition the PitchCom device as it speeds up the game. Another con of the PitchCom device is that in crowded and loud stadiums, pitchers often have difficulty hearing the pitch that the catcher calls due to the noise level. This can be seen as an advantage for home teams and a severe disadvantage for away teams. In deafening crowds, many pitchers place a hand over their ear just to hear the pitch that was called.
Although there are both positives and negatives to this new piece of technology, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. In the MLB, each team is given the choice to use the PitchCom or not and as of now, about half of the MLB has decided to give it a shot. As the season progresses, players and coaches should begin to slowly adapt to this modern device. The game of baseball is slowly changing and the PitchCom device just took it another step further.
Matthew Suh is a staff writer and contributor for Talking Points Sports. While Matthew covers all sports including football, basketball, and baseball he tends to focus on writing about the MLB. Questions about the MLB or baseball? Follow or DM Matthew on Twitter @matthewsuh for inquiries.
