I give those coaches credit for not completely exploding after seeing this awful trick play and bad call. Of course, I suppose that's why I'm not a coach - the rosin bag grenade would have only been the beginning of the tirade if I saw this.

Implement instant replay. I just don't buy that faulty umpires and referees SHOULD be part of the game. And replay would have resolved this issue FASTER.

Hard call, The trick is irrelevant.

The call was close. The call only be made as it was seen. Since the tag was made to his back, the umpire may not have seen everything we got to see from the camera.

The trick may have confused even the ump's though and they didn;t know where to look.

I'd hardly call the trick irrelevant. That's the fun part! You never see the hidden ball trick used any more except in movies.

After playing 8 years of baseball all the way to senior level in high school, I have some experience with this.. indeed it got me once in an exhibition game. This is a judgment call, and the umpire cannot take it back. Once the inning changes and people go into the dugout its over you cant take it back.

In this case the umpire was wrong. Every one except the pitcher is allowed to deceive a runner. If you are pitcher and its a tight game do not risk the balk. Which means ball + walk, the batter get a ball and the runner can walk to another base.

Another thing any hidden ball trick involving the pitcher is immediately illegal. The pitcher cannot, ever attempt to deceive the runners. We call this a balk, which does not need the pitcher engaged to the mound.

Trick plays happen all the time (Center sneak - football, Fake field goals, and the pitcher changing the pitch mid wind up: that used to piss me off as a catcher. Me and the pitcher would have a long angry discussion.) its not a trick its misdirection, you better be on your toes or it will get you.

Poor execution. If the pitcher was more aware of what was happening he could've played it off well without earning a balk. He just can't step on or straddle the rubber. The second baseman SHOULD have made his way nonchalantly to cover 2nd base while the pitcher gathered his presence focusing on the catcher (of course staying clear of the rubber) and mimicking possession of the ball. This was more of a last ditch effort.

*length=4:44

The duration of this video has been updated from unknown to 4:44 - length declared by Mandtis.