Pitch Tipping Controversy Resolved Between Cubs and Diamondbacks

A recent conflict between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks regarding pitch tipping has been resolved. The situation flared during the Cubs’ 7-0 victory on Monday, centered around Cubs third base coach Quintin Berry. His role in relaying pitch information from observations of right-hander Merrill Kelly caused tensions to rise.

Before the series, the Cubs studied video footage to identify cues, which Berry then observed from the third-base coach’s box. This practice led to heated exchanges, including yelling and coarse language from both dugouts during the fifth inning. Arizona’s bench coach, Jeff Bannister, and Cubs’ bench coach, Ryan Flaherty, were key figures in the dispute, as Kelly noted Berry’s efforts from the mound.

“That’s gamesmanship that goes on every day in the league,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell.

Kelly saw Berry’s actions as unfair, saying, “Inside the lines is one thing. I think guys standing outside the lines, it’s a little bush league.” The situation had calmed by Tuesday’s pregame. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo called Counsell to apologize, acknowledging the legality of Berry’s actions from the coach’s box as per league rules.

Bannister and Berry met during the Diamondbacks’ batting practice on Tuesday to discuss the situation. Their five-minute conversation ended amicably with a handshake and hug. Berry expressed that he would continue doing whatever possible to help his hitters, seeing the competitive nature as part of the game.

Berry, who relished chaotic gameplay during his playing days, remarked, “It’s pure emotional competition. They’re obviously playing for something, we’re playing for something.” He explained that strategies like PitchCom have reduced the ability to glean advantages, making pitch tipping more challenging. Berry noted, “It requires a lot of studying.”

From the Cubs’ point of view, pitch tipping is a standard part of the game. Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner expressed the frustration of having pitches picked, “It is a really frustrating thing when another team has a pitch or your pitches.” Cubs’ pitching coach Tommy Hottovy emphasized the importance of preventing pitch tipping. He considers it a critical aspect of their season strategy.

Hottovy explained that they actively work on controlling the running game and preventing predictability in pitching. He sees detecting pitch tipping as an extension of these efforts, mentioning that coaches must identify and rectify any exploitable signals. Hottovy said, “If that happens for us, I’m not mad at the other team. They’re doing what they can to get a competitive advantage.”

Emphasizing the thin margins teams operate within, Hottovy highlighted the need for proactive measures and adaptation. He aims to ensure the Cubs lead in controlling aspects vulnerable to being picked by opponents, stating, “It’s the norm now, so having a Plan B … is part of the game.”