Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly accused the Chicago Cubs of "bush league" tactics, alleging that a Cubs coach was involved in stealing signs during a recent Major League Baseball game. Tempers flared between the teams during Monday's game, which the Cubs won 7-0.
Kelly, who pitched 5.2 innings, expressed his displeasure after the game, stating he believed Cubs third base coach Quintin Berry was relaying information about his changeup grip to the team's left-handed batters. While sign stealing is a long-standing practice in baseball, it is generally considered an unwritten rule that coaches do not actively participate.
The incident escalated in the fifth inning when Kelly stepped off the mound and appeared to confront Berry. Members of the Diamondbacks' coaching staff voiced their objections from the dugout, leading to shouting between both benches. Pitching coach Brian Kaplan and bench coach Brian Banniser were seen gesturing and yelling toward the Cubs' dugout.
"Stealing signs is as old as baseball. I think it's a little bull**** when it comes from a coach," Kelly stated after the game. "If it's a guy on second base and they see a grip in your glove or if the hitters can see something you're doing with your glove, I think that's fair game. I think guys have been doing that since the beginning of baseball. I think it's a little bush league when it comes from outside that. I think inside the lines is one thing, I think the guys that are standing outside the lines I think it's a little bush league."
Kelly further elaborated that while he's seen coaches relay signs before, the situation was "probably the most egregious I've seen from coaches." He suggested that such activities should remain between players.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell described the events as "gamesmanship that goes on every day in the league." The win was significant for the Cubs as they continue to contend for a National League Wild Card spot.