The hidden ball trick is a deceptive play in a baseball game. It involves a fielder hiding the ball in his glove and waiting for a runner to approach the base. When the runner is close, the fielder quickly throws the ball to the base, catching the runner off guard and often resulting in an out. The hidden ball trick has been used for many years, and is considered a classic play in the game of baseball.
History of the Hidden Ball Trick
The hidden ball trick is believed to have been first used in baseball in the 1870s. The play was popularized by Hall of Famer Al Reach, who was a star with the Philadelphia Athletics. Reach was known for his excellent fielding skills, and he used the hidden ball trick to help his team win games.
Reach’s use of the hidden ball trick is credited with popularizing the play in the major leagues. Since then, the trick has been used countless times by players of all levels of the game.
Notable Examples of the Hidden Ball Trick
Throughout the years, there have been many famous uses of the hidden ball trick. One of the most famous examples came in 2001, when the San Francisco Giants’ Rich Aurilia used the trick to get the New York Mets’ Mike Piazza out. Aurilia quickly hid the ball in his glove and then threw it to first base for the out.
Another famous example of the hidden ball trick came in 1955, when the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson used the play to get the Cincinnati Reds’ Ray Jablonski out. Robinson quickly hid the ball in his glove and then threw it to first base for the out.
Frequency of the Hidden Ball Trick
The hidden ball trick is relatively rare, due to its tricky nature and the fact that it relies on the runner to be in the wrong place at the right time. However, there are still hundreds of examples of the trick being used in games each year.
How to Execute the Hidden Ball Trick
Executing the hidden ball trick takes skill and timing. The fielder must be able to quickly hide the ball in his glove and then make an accurate throw to the base. It also requires the runner to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If the runner is too far away from the base, the fielder will not be able to make the throw in time.
Strategies for Avoiding the Hidden Ball Trick
The best way to avoid being caught by the hidden ball trick is for the runner to stay alert and be aware of their surroundings. The runner should also be aware of the fielder’s position and always keep an eye on the ball. If a fielder appears to be hiding the ball in his glove, the runner should be wary and take extra caution.
MLB Rules on the Hidden Ball Trick
The MLB has specific rules regarding the hidden ball trick. According to MLB Rule 5.09, a fielder can not hide the ball in his glove or pocket and then use it to make a tag. If a fielder is found to have used the hidden ball trick, the runner will be declared safe and the fielder will be called for interference.
Does the Hidden Ball Trick Really Work?
The hidden ball trick is a deceptive play and can be successful, but it is by no means a sure thing. The trick relies on the runner to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, as well as the fielder to be able to make an accurate throw.
How Many Times Has the Hidden Ball Trick Been Used?
The exact number of times the hidden ball trick has been used in a game is unknown. However, it is estimated that the play has been used thousands of times throughout the history of the game. The hidden ball trick is a classic play that has been used for many years and will continue to be used for many more years to come.
Conclusion
The hidden ball trick is a deceptive play in baseball and has been used thousands of times throughout the history of the game. The trick relies on the fielder to be able to quickly hide the ball in his glove and make an accurate throw to the base. It also relies on the runner to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The MLB has specific rules regarding the hidden ball trick, and the play is not a sure thing. However, it can still be successful and is a classic play in the game of baseball.