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MLB: Diamondbacks pitcher Kelly accuses Cubs coach of stealing pitch signs

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly accused Chicago Cubs third base coach Quintin Berry of signaling pitch types.
  • Kelly believes Berry was trying to decipher his pitches, particularly against left-handed batters.
  • The pitcher called the alleged actions "bush league" and "over the top" for a coach to engage in.

Arizona Diamondbacks veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly voiced strong accusations against the Chicago Cubs, alleging their third base coach, Quintin Berry, was attempting to steal signs related to pitch selection. The incident occurred during a game where the Diamondbacks were shut out 7-0 by the Cubs.

Kelly, a 37-year-old right-hander, expressed his frustration post-game, stating, "Stealing signs is as old as baseball. I think it's kind of bush league on the coaching staff's part to be doing that." He specifically felt that Berry was trying to decipher his pitches, especially when facing left-handed hitters.

Stealing signs is as old as baseball. I think it's kind of bush league on the coaching staff's part to be doing that.

— Merrill KellyThe Diamondbacks pitcher described his reaction to the alleged sign-stealing attempt by the Cubs' third base coach.

"We just felt like he was giving signs. We felt like he was picking up my breaking ball. We felt like every time I was throwing a breaking ball, especially to lefties, he was giving the sign," Kelly explained. He differentiated this from players observing glove grips or tendencies, which he considers a normal part of the game.

We just felt like he was giving signs. We felt like he was picking up my breaking ball. We felt like every time I was throwing a breaking ball, especially to lefties, he was giving the sign.

— Merrill KellyKelly explained his belief that the Cubs coach was signaling pitch types during the game.

Kelly described the alleged actions as "over the top" for a coach to be involved in. "I think that's probably the most over the top thing I've seen a coach do," he said. While acknowledging that players often try to gain advantages, he believes this particular situation crossed a line and should ideally be resolved between players, not involving coaching staff from outside the field of play.

The game saw Kelly pitch 5.2 innings, giving up 5 hits, 4 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 3 earned runs, resulting in his 12th loss of the season. The confrontation between Kelly and the Cubs' dugout, particularly directed at third base coach Berry, was a notable moment in an otherwise lopsided game.

I think that's probably the most over the top thing I've seen a coach do.

— Merrill KellyThe pitcher expressed his strong disapproval of the alleged actions by the opposing coach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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