Terry Ito Column Vol.59 The hidden card has disappeared from professional baseball

Daisuke Motoki, former head coach of the Yomiuri Giants, said on his YouTube channel, "There are fewer 'hidden cards' in professional baseball these days." A hidden card is when, for example, there's a runner on second base, and just as the pitcher is about to throw, the second baseman makes a touch from behind the runner with a hidden card, just as the runner leaves the base to head to third base. Now that you mention it, it's a play that's rarely seen in professional baseball these days. You won't even see it in the "weird plays" section of professional baseball news.

Motoki explains why hidden balls have decreased. In recent years, players have been wearing a lot of protective gear, and it takes time for the ball boy to come and retrieve it. Up until now, there was no time required, making it easier to use hidden balls, but once time is up, the ball becomes dead and is returned to the pitcher. Furthermore, if the ball touches the ground even a little, it is immediately replaced with a new ball. Once a ball has hit the ground, it is almost never returned to the pitcher. Nowadays, if a pitcher throws a fly ball and the player is out, the umpire gives him a new ball, which makes hidden balls even more difficult. It is extremely difficult for a fielder to go and retrieve the ball when a play is on the line, with such a large crowd. This may be one of the reasons why hidden balls have decreased. It makes sense.

Sure, a hidden ball play might not be the coolest, but I'd like to see it. I remember seeing a play like this before. The runner on second base left the base, the pitcher threw a pickoff pitch, and the runner head-slid back to safety. As the runner brushed off his soiled uniform, the pitcher pretended to throw the ball back, and play resumed. However, the runner again touched the base as he left it, resulting in an out. This play caused a commotion in the stadium. The players' pitiful expressions as they returned to the bench were memorable. The bench also bears some responsibility. They should have carefully observed the fielder's movements and given him some advice. Even so, in this day and age, even if a hidden ball is considered a sneaky play and is successful, it will be criticized online and even drawn complaints from the opposing team's fans. It's a play that deceives a crowd of 50,000, so it requires determination. In fact, Motoki had a bitter experience when he attempted a hidden ball in a game against the Hanshin Tigers on April 3, 1999, when pitcher Masumi Kuwata was called for a balk. Pitcher Kuwata said that the umpire told him that it looked like his left foot was straddling the pitcher's plate. It's a rare play that you sometimes see in amateur baseball, but now it's time to see it in professional baseball. It would be interesting if Giants players like Yoshikawa or Kadowaki could pull it off. Please don't get angry at Manager Abe if he fails.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry