AboutTom Schott Expertise I will deal with the major leagues only from 19th century to present. I`m good on baseball history, records, statistics, ballparks. I don't do off-the-field stuff. Please if you already know the answer to the question, please don't ask it. I don't want to play "stump the expert."
Experience I've written on the subject, and I have substantial library of resources.
Organizations SABR
Publications Numerous encyclopedia, newspaper, magazine articles. One book, several book chapters.
Question Hi there Tom, I emailed you a question yesterday that was quite unclear (and I am very sorry but I somehow managed to think your name was Pat!) The question was about the horn gesture that many players make with their hands(similar to this http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c...) after recording an out. I was just wandering if there was any particular reason that they did this. Thanks again
Kobi
Answer Kobi,
Ah, understand. A very good question from someone who is just learning the game. Ballplayers are constantly reminding themselves of how many outs have been made in an inning. Because of course, the number of outs makes a great deal of difference what you might do with the baseball if it is hit to you, what the runners on base might do in that situation. The number of outs when a ball is put into play is an important determinant of how a play proceeds. What you are seeing with the "horn sign" is the fielders reminding each other (and themselves) that there are two outs. The sign for two is made this way so that the two fingers are clearly visible. If you will watch closely, fielders will also hold up an index finger after the first out is made. Everyone in the field, but not usually the pitcher, may indicate the number of outs with these signs. In fact, not everyone does this after the first and second out. Just enough so that everybody in the field is aware of the game situation. Does this help?
