The sign-stealing problem in baseball is technological or at the very least legal. For example, reading pitches from another team is legal. However, using Apple Watches and telephoto cameras to bang on trash cans is not. ESPN reports that the MLB will soon be able to fight fire with fire by testing an encrypted wireless communication device. It replaces traditional flashes of fingers with button taps.PitchCom, a startup, will first test the device in the Low-A West minor baseball league. It is a simple piece of kit, as you would expect for something that relays very basic signals. There is one wristband transmitter that the catcher uses to signal the desired pitch and location. The receivers can fit into a pitcher's cap or a catcher's helmet and it sends encrypted audio to them.The receivers are bone-conduction technology so they don't necessarily have to be up against an ears and may be more difficult to spy on. Bone conduction stimulates the bones of your head and does not emit an audible sound. However, it does sound like the introduction of this technology may be fraught with risks. ESPN has compiled a list of restrictions:Players caught wearing a receiver while they are batting will be removed. A backup transmitter is available, but must be kept in the case. If coaches or players need to confer due to an issue with the transmitter, they can inform the umpires.The idea has been welcomed by MLB so far. According to an internal memo, the Associated Press obtained, the PitchCom devices were used in side-sessions during major league baseball spring training. The feedback received from players, coaches and front office staff was very positive. These preliminary results suggest that we believe these devices could be a long-term viable option to reduce sign-stealing risk, improve play speed, and especially with runners at second base, thanks to their potential to increase pace.Although I couldn't find any records about a startup called PitchCom, one of its founders, Craig Filicetti, seems to have been the one who sold ProMystic wireless technology for magicians and mentalists. This includes a box of crayons which can wirelessly send a signal that corresponds to the crayon being removed. ESPN lists John Hankins and Craig Filicetti as co-owners. In November 2020, two men named JHCF, LLC were formed. ProMystic, JHCF share a Scottsdale address.
