This is the most common trick in the game of baseball. It has been around longer than peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jack.

Ruleball Comments

1. The hidden ball trick often occurs when the ball comes in from the outfield and the infielder who receives the throw fakes a throw to the pitcher and keeps the ball in his glove waiting for the runner to step off the base before applying the tag.
2. Sometimes when an infielder receives a throw from the outfield and is aware that base runner has his back to him, he will hold the ball in glove hoping the runner will step off the base.
3. Pick-off throws are another trap for the runner. The fielder receiving the throw fakes  throwing back to the pitcher. The runner, who is often dusting off his uniform after diving back to the base, is not aware that the fielder still has the ball. He gets off the base and is tagged. The runner or the base coach should request “Time” in this type of play.
4. Per rule 6.02 (a) (9), the pitcher is charged with a balk if he stands on or astride the rubber without the ball while the hidden ball trick is being executed by an infielder. Astride is to be interpreted as straddling or having a foot on both sides of the rubber. The pitcher can be anywhere on the 18-foot diameter dirt circle of the mound or on the grass without penalty if he doesn’t have the ball. 
5. If the umpire determines that a fielder puts the ball in his pocket to deceive a runner with the intention of executing the hidden ball trick,  it is illegal and the umpire will place all runners at least one base or more if warranted, in the umpire’s judgment in order to nullify the action of the ball being put out of play. In no case may any outs be recorded on such a play and the play is not subject to replay review. The Astros’ Jose Altuve attempted to pull this stunt on the Brewers Chris Carter in the April 10, 2016, game.  At the time there was no rule that prohibited such a ruse.

    

6. Runners and base coaches should not lose sight of the ball in the above potential hidden ball trick situations.
7. Fielders should be aware of when to benefit from potential trap situations.

Rich Marazzi

Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.