Out of Left Field: Learning From the NFL

In the 1960s, quarterbacks would call the plays in the huddle. In the 1970s, as coaches took more control of what was happening on each play, teams would rotate players into the game and the new player would bring the play the coach had instructed from the side line. In the 1980s, with a shorter time clock to speed up the game, hand signals came from the sideline, instructing the quarterbacks what play to call in the huddle.

As time passed and the NFL wanted to speed up the pace of play further and reduce the effect of spying on the signal caller, starting in 1994 audio receivers were inserted into the quarterback’s helmets.

In the 1920s, catchers signaled for a particular pitch with their fingers. In the 1950s, catchers who wanted to call for a pitch, signaled with their fingers. In the 1970s, catchers signaled with their fingers. In the 1980s, catchers saw a signal from the dugout, and then signaled what pitch to throw with their fingers. In 2017, when the Astros won the World Series and their hitters knew what pitch was coming, catchers called for pitches with their fingers.  Ahhh, tradition.

In catching up to the NFL, what if MLB allowed coaches, and players to have a headset? A simple AirPod or similar audio equipment piece (imagine the merchandising rights to become the official audio provider of MLB) in each players ear, with a pitch called from the bench.

Imagine:

1. A faster game as signs are not shaken off and catcher walks to the mound to talk over what pitch should be thrown disappear into history.
2. No more crossed-up pitchers and catchers.
3. No more runners on second looking in to the steal the sign.
4. The days of a shortstop looking in to know the sign and changing his position accordingly is multiplied to all fielders.
5. Love the idea of a coach coming out of the dugout and look like he’s landing an airplane as he tries to move an outfielder to a new position?  Sorry, this idea is not for you as the coach could talk over the headset into the outfielders ear.
6. Who’s going to cover second on a steal?  No more open mouth, closed mouth behind a glove. It’s called from the bench directly into each players ear.

Was this Out of Left Field idea a hit or a strikeout? Can MLB catch up to the 1994 NFL? Share you your thoughts in the comments section below.