Easy. When it’s a trick.
Merriam Webster says both a play and a trick are “acts or maneuvers in a game,” but Webster tacks on to this common definition a caveat for the word trick, and that is: “to achieve an end by deceptive or fraudulent means; an indiscreet or childish action.” Agreed Merriam.
In 2007, Alex Rodriguez played a “trick” on a Toronto third baseman by yelling “I got it!” as he ran past him. Ball drops. Three runs score. Poor form, Alex.
Recently a team the Mountville Indians competed against attempted a different trick – the infamous hidden ball trick. Equally poor form – but in this case, unsuccessful.
But it IS “legal.” And so are lots of other things. But does that mean we should do them, or teach kids to do them? And, if the hidden ball trick is legal and such a good idea, why don’t more teams do it? “Because,” according to one veteran umpire with 44 years of experience under his chest protector, “it’s impossible to pull off. It’s tried by youth managers who don’t know the rules.” (SOURCE: Yahoo Answers) More importantly, it cheapens a great game.
This isn’t about sour grapes. The Indians won that “hidden ball trick game” quite handily. This is about genuine disappointment. Disappointment that the “trick” was tried at all – and in our league; that the opposing coach was overtly proud of it; and on a larger scale, that something that is a “trick” by name and definition is even considered an acceptable “play” by some – just because it’s legal. It’s called a “trick” for a reason, and there’s no place or need for tricks in a game where real, well executed plays and well thought out strategies can, and should, suffice.