What Are The Hand Signals In Baseball?

If you’re new to baseball, you might be wondering what all the hand signals are about. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common hand signals used in baseball.

The Basic Hand Signals

Baseball is a game of communication and hand signals are a big part of that. They help the defense know what the pitcher is going to throw and they also help the runners on base know what the batter is going to do. Hand signals are also used to stop play in case of an injury or other emergency. Let’s take a look at the most common hand signals used in baseball.

The “Take” Signal

The “take” signal is given by the catcher to the pitcher when he wants the pitcher to stop throwing pitches and just let the batter hit. The catcher will put down one finger for a fastball, two fingers for a curveball, etc.

The “Strike” Signal

The “strike” signal is when the umpire holds up his right arm perpendicular to his body with his fist clenched. This indicates that the batter has not swung at a pitch within the strike zone, or that he has swung and missed.

The “Ball” Signal

The “ball” signal is the most commonly used sign in baseball. It simply means that the batter wants a ball, or more accurately, a pitch that is not a strike. The signal is given by holding up the index and middle fingers on the same hand.

The “Foul Ball” Signal

The most commonly used signal in baseball is the “foul ball” sign, which is given by the umpire when a batted ball is ruled to be foul. This signal is given by holding both hands up in the air with the palms facing out, and is usually accompanied by a louder-than-normal call of “foul ball.”

The Advanced Hand Signals

In baseball, there are many hand signals that are used to communicate between the catcher and pitcher. These signals can be used to tell the pitcher what type of pitch to throw, where to throw it, and how fast to throw it. The catcher will also use hand signals to communicate with the fielders, telling them where to throw the ball.

The “Bunt” Signal

The “bunt” signal is when the catcher shows two open palms to the pitcher, signaling that they want the pitch to be bunted.

The “Hit and Run” Signal

The “hit and run” signal is given by the coach, or sometimes the catcher, to tell the batter to swing at the next pitch regardless of where the ball is pitched, and then start running to first base immediately after hitting the ball. This play is usually used when there is a runner on first base and fewer than two outs. The hope is that the infielders will be drawn in by the possibility of a double play, making it easier for the runner on first to advance to second base.

The “Intentional Walk” Signal

The “Intentional Walk” signal is when the catcher holds up 4 fingers to the pitcher. The pitcher then throws 4 balls outside of the strike zone, which intentionally walks the batter and loads the bases.

The Specialized Hand Signals

There are all sorts of hand signals in baseball: from asking for a high five from the dugout, to calling for a substitution, to communicating with the pitcher. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the specialized hand signals between the catcher and pitcher.

The “Pitcher Change” Signal

The “Pitcher Change” signal is when the catcher (or sometimes the 3rd baseman) takes off his mask and points to the bullpen, signaling for a pitcher change. This signal is usually given when the starting pitcher is starting to tire and the relievers are warming up in the bullpen.

The “Catcher Change” Signal

In baseball, a catcher may use specialized hand signals to inform the pitcher what type of pitch to throw. One such signal is known as the “catcher change.” This signal is used when the catcher wants the pitcher to throw a different type of pitch than what was originally called for.

To give the catcher change signal, the catcher will hold up one finger on his left hand. He will then use his right hand to indicate what type of pitch he wants the pitcher to throw. For example, if the catcher wants the pitcher to throw a fastball, he will make a fist with his right hand and extend his index finger. If he wants the pitcher to throw a curveball, he will hold up his right hand with his index and middle fingers extended.

The “Infield Fly” Signal

The “infield fly” signal is given by the umpire when he/she believes a popup will be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. It is given with the arm outstretched and palm facing the ground. It is not given if the ball is hit to the outfield, even if it appears it will be an easy catch. The purpose of the signal is to prevent the baserunners from being “trapped” off base when an easy out appears likely. Once the ball is caught, the runners may advance at their own risk.