Tensions flared between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks over pitch tipping, but peace was reached by Tuesday night. The dispute erupted during the fifth inning of the Cubs’ 7-0 win on Monday. The Diamondbacks were upset that Cubs third base coach Quintin Berry conveyed pitch information to hitters based on cues he observed from Arizona pitcher Merrill Kelly.
The Cubs had analyzed video beforehand, which enabled Berry to spot the cues during the game from his third-base position. The situation intensified to shouting and finger-pointing, with coaches from both dugouts exchanging words. Kelly glared at Berry after being pulled in the sixth inning. Kelly viewed Berry’s actions as “bush league,” yet Cubs manager Craig Counsell called it everyday gamesmanship.
Kelly explained, “If someone on second base sees the grip or something with your glove, that’s fair game.” He distinguished between tactics inside the lines versus someone outside having an influence, describing the latter as questionable. By Tuesday’s pregame, emotions had tempered.
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo reached out to Counsell to apologize for the team’s earlier anger at Berry. The league confirmed that Berry’s actions were legal from his position.
Coach Jeff Banister of the Diamondbacks and Berry resolved the matter. They met during Arizona’s batting practice to discuss the incident, ending with a handshake and a hug. Berry intends to keep assisting his hitters within the game’s limits. “Competitive emotions are understandable,” Berry said. “Both teams are competing hard, and if they think I’m providing an advantage, it makes sense to challenge me.”
Berry reminisced about his playing days when he relished stirring up action as a base runner. Modern technology like PitchCom has reduced some of the traditional ways players could gain an edge. “Studying and cleaning up one’s play helps avoid seasonal or playoff issues,” he remarked.
From the Cubs’ perspective, seeking an on-field edge is just part of baseball. The Cubs, too, have faced pitch tipping this season, like with pitcher Shota Imanaga’s recent outings. Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner acknowledged the frustration when another team benefits from recognizing pitch cues.
“There’s a general understanding of what’s fair within the game. Coaches are monitored closely to ensure no unfair advantage,” Hoerner stated. He emphasized that teams must prevent their pitchers from displaying cues others could exploit.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy expressed that if a team identifies any weakness, it reflects on the coaching. “If it happens, it’s on us to identify and correct it to maintain the competitive edge.”
The Cubs have concentrated on controlling various aspects throughout the season, such as runner management and pitch predictability. Hottovy sees preventing pitch tipping as a crucial part of these efforts. He communicated to Cubs pitchers that they would receive feedback on potential tipping throughout the season.
The drama surrounding pitch tipping underlines the fine margins teams pursue to gain an advantage. “It’s become standard to have backup strategies,” Hottovy noted. “Our responsibility is to oversee our players’ habits and ensure we’re prepared with plans for when opponents spot our signals.”
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