{"id":56912,"date":"2005-12-15T21:37:00","date_gmt":"2005-12-16T03:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/?p=56912"},"modified":"2022-12-15T21:58:51","modified_gmt":"2022-12-16T03:58:51","slug":"the-hidden-ball-trick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/the-hidden-ball-trick\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hidden Ball Trick"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

by Thomas A. Thornhill, Jr.<\/p>\n

\"\"Most of you know that one of my “hobbies” is officiating sports.\u00a0\u00a0In an odd sort of way, I call it “stress relief” as I focus on the game I am officiating.\u00a0\u00a0I work in three sports, but the one I am most proficient in (and experienced in) is baseball.\u00a0\u00a0This brings us to a play that I want to discuss.\u00a0\u00a0It is one I have seen three times this season in the local city league I am officiating for. It goes something like this:<\/p>\n

With runners on base, the defensive coach (that’s the team that is not batting) will call a timeout.\u00a0\u00a0He will ask for all the infielders to huddle by the pitcher’s mound.\u00a0\u00a0While in conference, the baseball is secretly given to the baseman where the runner is.\u00a0\u00a0After they disperse, the pitcher steps on the mound, and the baseman steps behind the runner on base.\u00a0\u00a0When the runner on base steps off base to get a leadoff toward the next base, the fielder with the ball produces it and tags the runner.\u00a0 What do you have?<\/u><\/strong> \u00a0The hope is that the umpire will see it and call the runner out.\u00a0\u00a0But there is a problem: the play is illegal<\/strong>! It is not legal for two reasons.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. When time is called, the only <\/b>way to start play again is for the umpire to signal so.\u00a0\u00a0Most baseball rulebooks (Major League, Little League, high school, and college) state that for the ball to be put back into play, the pitcher must be standing on the mound with the ball<\/strong>, the catcher in his catcher’s box, and the batter in the batter’s box.\u00a0\u00a0Therefore, even though the runner who is not on base was tagged he is not<\/strong> out because the ball is still dead.\u00a0\u00a0What you have is a delay of game violation, which usually is taken care of with a warning.<\/li>\n
  2. If for some reason the ball is declared live when the pitcher is on the mound the rules state he must <\/b>have the ball.\u00a0 If <\/b>he doesn’t have the ball it is a balk – which by definition is an illegal act intended to deceive a runner who is on base.\u00a0\u00a0The penalty for a balk is to award all <\/b>runners one base.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0For what it’s worth, there is <\/b>a legal hidden ball trick that involves the ball staying live and the pitcher staying away from the mound.\u00a0\u00a0That is why coaches will tell their players to stay on base until the pitcher is on the mound.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Now one might ask: If it is not legal why would a team try it?\u00a0\u00a0There are at least two reasons: <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. They are ignorant of the rules or <\/li>\n
    2. they hope <\/b>the umpires are ignorant of the rules and thereby they will get away with it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      There is a word for that too – it’s called cheating<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

      The hidden ball trick reminds me of the way some people deal with the word of God.\u00a0\u00a0There are many who claim to be serving God but do things that are simply not authorized.\u00a0\u00a0What they do seems to be good and it is often done “in the spirit of true religion” but it is contrary to what God actually commands us to do.\u00a0\u00a0In other words, it is illegal<\/strong>!\u00a0\u00a0For many, they simply are ignorant of God’s word.\u00a0\u00a0Ignorance has always been a great spiritual concern.\u00a0\u00a0And today is no different.\u00a0\u00a0Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.\u00a0\u00a0Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children<\/em>.”\u00a0\u00a0Hosea is preparing\u00a0Israel\u00a0and\u00a0Judah\u00a0to be punished if they do not repent.\u00a0\u00a0One of their faults was their ignorance.\u00a0\u00a0It is noted that God’s law was available to them but they chose to not learn them.\u00a0\u00a0When we willfully choose to not learn God’s laws, we are in danger of breaking the rules that He has set for us.\u00a0\u00a0Paul warned the Athenians, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.<\/em>” (Acts 20:17)\u00a0\u00a0Just as ignorance is no excuse for breaking the laws of the land (or rules of a game), it is no excuse when you stand before God.<\/p>\n

      Many get their authority for doing something by observing what others are doing.\u00a0\u00a0They figure if others are doing it, then it must be acceptable.\u00a0\u00a0Believe it or not, that applies to many rules in many sports.\u00a0\u00a0I have seen movies about baseball where the hidden ball trick was tried.\u00a0\u00a0It is usually done illegally but, as is often the case in the movies, they get away with it. Then a coach somewhere gets the idea that he will try that play in a close game.\u00a0\u00a0The problem is that he doesn’t consult the rules to confirm if it is legal or not.\u00a0\u00a0In religion, far too many today base their faith upon what everybody else is doing.\u00a0\u00a0They see something being done that is a good work and it is successful.\u00a0\u00a0But they never take the time to investigate God’s word to confirm if it is authorized.\u00a0\u00a0Friends, the majority can be wrong.\u00a0\u00a0It was a majority in the crowd that led to the crucifixion of Jesus.\u00a0\u00a0It was the majority of Israel that refused to enter Canaan after the twelve spies returned and gave their report.\u00a0\u00a0It was the majority of the world that was destroyed in the flood after Noah preached to them for years that God would destroy it (II Peter 2:6).\u00a0\u00a0Jesus taught that the way to destruction would be filled with the many (Matthew 7:13-14).\u00a0\u00a0Just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t make it right.\u00a0\u00a0Ignorance is no excuse.<\/p>\n

      Still, others know <\/b>what they are doing is not authorized (according to the rules), but they do it anyway hoping they will not get caught.\u00a0\u00a0I think of false teachers who for selfish gains, prey on the ignorance of others. (II Peter 2:1-3).\u00a0\u00a0Have you ever thought about what makes a false teacher dangerous?\u00a0\u00a0It is a fact that in much of what they say, they tell the truth.\u00a0\u00a0And with that truth, they gain your trust and confidence which they later use to teach their false doctrine.\u00a0\u00a0But they can only get away with it if you are ignorant.\u00a0\u00a0When a coach tells me he knew the rules but was seeing if he could get away with it I am not impressed<\/strong>\u00a0(but it has happened with the hidden ball trick).\u00a0\u00a0It is making a travesty of the game of baseball which could result in the coach being sent home (I warn the first time and then I would eject the coach).\u00a0\u00a0Similarly, the false teacher who uses these tactics is making a travesty of the word of God.\u00a0\u00a0I know that God is not impressed and we should not be either.<\/p>\n

      The same could be said of anyone who willfully sins hoping he will not get caught because of the ignorance of others.\u00a0\u00a0Consider the warning of Hebrews 10:26 which says, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins<\/em>.”\u00a0\u00a0While this passage is not teaching the impossibility of ever receiving forgiveness when we sin willfully, it calls for true repentance of our willful acts.\u00a0\u00a0It is actually dealing with one’s present state (he is still living in sin).\u00a0\u00a0If you desire to go to heaven, you have to keep all <\/b>the rules.<\/p>\n

      How can you prevent illegal actions lest you be disqualified?<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Know the rules!<\/strong>\u00a0II Timothy 2:5 says, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.<\/em>”\u00a0 \u00a0Paul’s message was one of endurance.\u00a0\u00a0He was saying that you have to follow God’s rules if you are to win His race.\u00a0\u00a0(See also I Corinthians 9:24-27).\u00a0\u00a0There is only one way to learn “the rules”.\u00a0\u00a0Study!\u00a0\u00a0As a high school umpire, I am expected to attend a series of meetings totaling about 20 hours of instruction each year where we discuss new rules, situations, and areas that can potentially pose problems (like the hidden ball trick).\u00a0\u00a0The same is true spiritually.\u00a0\u00a0Brethren, we have to <\/strong>study!\u00a0\u00a0We need to devote considerable time to learning God’s word lest we through ignorance violate “the rules” of service to God.<\/li>\n
      2. Consult the mature in the faith <\/strong>for guidance (elders, wise elderly men and women, teachers, etc.).\u00a0\u00a0They are supposed to know the word of God that they are teaching.\u00a0\u00a0There is a reason why James 3:1 says teachers will receive a stricter judgment.\u00a0\u00a0They are accountable not only for what they do but what they teach others.\u00a0\u00a0There are plenty of examples in the Bible of turning to the seasoned for help.\u00a0\u00a0They are a valuable resource to one just learning.\u00a0\u00a0But be forewarned: For them to be of any good use to you they have to know the rules themselves.\u00a0\u00a0A godly teacher will encourage you to look for yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        As Christians, let us not try to get away with anything when it comes to serving God.\u00a0\u00a0Simply follow all the rules and you will be fine.\u00a0\u00a0When it comes to a baseball game, mistakes may be made.\u00a0\u00a0Coaches may cheat (but not usually) or do something in ignorance.\u00a0\u00a0Umpires may miss a call or in ignorance let something stand that is not according to the rules.\u00a0\u00a0The worst-case scenario would be that such a play resulted in the loss of a game or maybe one’s place in the standings.\u00a0\u00a0But in the end, it’s just a game.\u00a0\u00a0But when it comes to ignorance of God’s word – it could cost you your soul for all of eternity.\u00a0\u00a0And by the way, don’t think that you can actually hide the ball from God in the first place (Hebrews 4:13).\u00a0\u00a0Think about it!<\/p>\n\t

        Question:<\/h2>\n

        I surfed across your website and since I have an affinity for the Omaha area, thought I would drop you a line on the hidden ball trick. I was a Boys and Girls Clubs of America director at various locations, where I recruited and trained sports officials. Now for your hidden ball situation.<\/p>\n

        Hidden ball trick is permitted under Major League Baseball (MLB) rules, but\u00a0not repeat not<\/strong> following a suspension of play (dead ball). Reference MLB Rules 5.10 and 5.11. Also, see MLB Rule 2 Dead Ball and Jeopardy<\/strong>. But, be careful as other leagues may have different rulings. When resuming play under MLB 5.11 the pitcher must have<\/u>\u00a0the ball in his possession. If the pitcher does not the ball remains dead. And, it can’t be a balk <\/b>as no play is permitted during a dead ball.<\/p>\n

        I have to be honest; I only had the hidden ball problem once in 1957 at Newark, New Jersey where I took a baseball umpire’s examination.<\/p>\n

        Question – The pitcher of Team A walks. Upon reaching first base, he requests time out to put on his warm-up jacket. Then the pitcher of Team B gets up on the mound (without the ball), the ump says let ‘er go and then Team A pitcher (now a runner) steps off first base and was promptly tagged out.<\/p>\n

        Answer: I selected the balk <\/b>answer, but my selection was incorrect. You would think that out of 50 questions on a test and half a century later, I remember that one error.<\/p>\n

        Sounds like a sermon subject.<\/p>\n\t

        Answer:<\/h2>\n

        Thanks for writing. I got a kick out of the response. What was said is absolutely correct. And <\/b>if you read my article, in the second paragraph of the article I explain when it is illegal (which was explained by the one responding). I also stated at the end of that paragraph, “For what it’s worth, there is <\/b>a legal hidden ball trick which involves the ball staying live and the pitcher staying away from the mound. That is why coaches will tell their players to stay on base until the pitcher is on the mound.” He is right that because the ball is dead, you have nothing. But if the pitcher steps on the mound while the ball is alive and without the ball (and runners on) it is a balk. I have had it tried illegally at least twice (once in Little League and the other time in a city league). I suspect the coaches were simply ignorant. In both cases, I said, “You have nothing” and sent the runners back. For one of them, I reversed the call of my partner (who was a high school kid) for calling the runner out.<\/p>\n

        But here is something interesting. My first varsity game this year involved a legal <\/b>hidden ball trick. The batter ripped a ball down the third-base line (fair) and got a double. It was retrieved by the third baseman who slowly walked in to talk to the second baseman. Time was never <\/b>called. In the meantime, the pitcher was “tying his shoe” off <\/b>the mound while the third baseman secretly passed the ball to the second baseman. The second baseman wandered behind the runner on base. As soon as the runner stepped off, the fielder tagged him and I called him out. The coach <\/b>of the batting team didn’t even see it. But as an umpire, I am taught to follow the ball in those circumstances, and (at least that time) I did. You would think my staring at the second baseman would have been a clue to the runner to stay put, but he stepped off and was declared out. Anyway, just letting you know I am familiar with what the writer said and he is right<\/strong>. I believe I covered it in the article. And he is right, maybe there is some sermon material there. I might have to revisit the hidden ball trick with another article. If I do, I will send you a copy.<\/p>\n

        Thanks and have a good day.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        by Thomas A. Thornhill, Jr. Most of you know that one of my “hobbies” is officiating sports.\u00a0\u00a0In an odd sort of way, I call it “stress relief” as I focus on the game I am officiating.\u00a0\u00a0I work in three sports, but the one I am most proficient in (and experienced in) is baseball.\u00a0\u00a0This brings us…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[78],"class_list":["post-56912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-authority"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":29886,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/can-comments-be-made-during-the-lords-supper\/","url_meta":{"origin":56912,"position":0},"title":"Can comments be made during the Lord’s Supper?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 9, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Is it right for a brother officiating the Lord's Supper to make comments while the bread and the fruit of the vine are being passed? Some brethren hold the view that at such times congregations should be silent. 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