When the original video of sign-stealing arose against the Houston Astros, most took it with a grain of salt until more proof entered the mix. Since then, several teams, including the New York Yankees, have accused Houston of whistling or banging trash cans.
These actions were all part of a delicate sign-stealing scheme that helped the Astros decipher pitches and increase their probability of success at the plate. The methods they used to decode the signs were highly illegal by the viewpoint of the MLB, which will undoubtedly force them to punish GM Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch.
How did the Astros do it?
By installing new cameras in center field to provide a live-feed of opposing pitchers, the Astros were able to decipher signs, especially in regards to curveballs, which increased the efficiency at the plate Houston. They had a monitor in the dugout since their video room was too far away. This allowed them to signal to the field and/or make noises to indicate specific pitchers were coming.
“We did ask for a game centerfield feed to decode signs, as many teams do,” one witness told MLB, according to sources (SNY). “All we asked for was a live feed.”
“Four people who were with the Astros in 2017, including pitcher Mike Fiers, said that during that season, the Astros stole signs during home games in real time with the aid of a camera positioned in the outfield,’ the MLB investigators reported.
The Yankees are getting their affirmation:
If the camera in centerfield were for scouting purposes, it would have followed the legal guidelines of the MLB; however, the clear indication of pitching signals and schemes to give the Astros an advantage makes it completely illegal. The penalty will likely be harsh, and the Yankees should be celebrating their downfall, as without the whistling and sign-stealing during the ALCS, they might have had a better shot at reaching the World Series.