Electronic Usage

[Guest Shannon Allen]

What’s the penalty, according to the Major League Baseball Rule book, for a team where the baseball catcher and coach in the dugout use electronic devices to communicate with each other during the game? 

[Senor Azul]

Good question, Shannon Allen. And, of course, you deserve a proper answer. Here’s what I have found so far—the following is quoted from the 2018 Minor League Baseball Umpire Manual (section 2.2, p. 29):

“The use of electronic equipment during a game is restricted. No club shall use electronic equipment—including but not limited to walkie-talkies, cellular telephones and laptop computers or tablets—to communicate to or with any on-field personnel, including those in the dugout, bullpen, field, and during the game, the clubhouse. However, if a dugout is not equipped with a phone to communicate with the bullpen, walkie-talkies or cellular telephones may be used solely for that purpose.

“No equipment may be used for the purpose of stealing signs or conveying information designed to give a club an advantage. Laptop computers and hand held devices are not permitted on the bench or in the dugout.

“If, during the course of a game, a violation is observed, the plate umpire or crew chief should inform the offending club of such violation and file an Umpire’s Incident Report with the League Office following the game.”

[maven]

Death.

[stkjock]

44 minutes ago, maven said:

Death.

that's a bit harsh even for you

[Richvee]

off the cuff, I'd say it would be fines and penalties assessed by MLB after an investigation.  

[beerguy55]

1 hour ago, maven said:

Death.

Depends on the state.

Otherwise, you get to spend 25 to life sharing a cell with a man named "Sweet Meat".

 

[The Man in Blue]

I suppose that’s better than being the guy named Sweet Meat.

[umpstu]

4 hours ago, maven said:

Death.

Dude, That is the first thing that popped in my head. LOL

[beerguy55]

1 hour ago, The Man in Blue said:

I suppose that’s better than being the guy named Sweet Meat.

Spend an evening in a cell with a man named Sweet Meat and then tell me if you'd rather be you or him.

[maven]

Dude.

[beerguy55]

I drank White Russians for a year because of this guy.