Book SummaryCheated, by Andy Martino

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Cheated

The evolution and sequence of methods used to decipher signals in the sport of baseball.

The annals of baseball are filled with instances where teams have used diverse strategies to decode their opponents' signals, thereby gaining an advantage in competition.

In 1900, the Phillies were at the forefront of developing a systematic approach to deciphering the opposition's signs, utilizing a system of electronic buzzers to relay the catcher's indications to the batter.

Martino guides readers on an exploration of baseball's early days, emphasizing how Pearce Chiles became known for bending the rules during his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1899, Chiles, who had previously utilized binoculars at horse races, teamed up with reserve catcher Morgan Murphy to decipher the signs from rival teams. From his position beyond the center field barrier, Murphy utilized binoculars to interpret the catcher's signs and relayed them through an electronic vibration system to a hidden device near the third-base coaching zone, all under the guidance of Chiles from third base. Chiles would then discreetly signal the batter. Despite opponents' suspicions, the scheme remained undetected for months.

The history of baseball has long been intertwined with the practice of sign stealing since its inception. The publication also uncovers the deep anger ignited by these dishonest tactics. In the midst of a match, Reds shortstop Tommy Corcoran discovered a concealed signaling device, leading to a confrontation between the teams and ensuing claims and denials, which ultimately resulted in the Phillies experiencing a significant decline in their home batting average after the cheating scheme was revealed.

Context

• During this period, baseball was evolving into a more organized and professional sport. The National League, which the Phillies were part of, was one of the major leagues, and teams were increasingly looking for ways to gain advantages.
• The third-base coach in baseball is responsible for signaling plays to the batter and base runners. By placing the signaling device near the third-base coaching zone, the team could discreetly communicate the stolen signs to the batter.
• The use of technology, such as electronic buzzers, in the early 1900s was innovative and ahead of its time. This method of sign stealing was one of the first known instances of using technology to gain an edge in sports, predating more modern scandals.
• Pearce Chiles was known for his cunning and willingness to exploit loopholes, while Morgan Murphy's experience with binoculars at horse races made him adept at observing and interpreting signals from a distance.
• Tommy Corcoran was a well-known shortstop in Major League Baseball during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, playing for teams like the Cincinnati Reds. His discovery of the device highlights his alertness and awareness on the field.
• Batting average is a key statistic in baseball that measures a player's hitting performance. A decline in this metric suggests a decrease in the team's offensive effectiveness, impacting their ability to score runs and win games.

Teams have advanced their methods over the years, transitioning from the use of telescopes and binoculars to hidden recording equipment.

Martino recounts numerous historical examples where teams have stealthily interpreted the signals of their adversaries to gain an edge, showing the evolution of these strategies. In 1910, the squad that would later become known as the Yankees faced repercussions for employing a method that utilized shutters and a movable derby on their scoreboard to communicate pitches, which led to the dismissal of their manager. The revelation emerged that the 1951 New York Giants, famous for Bobby Thomson's iconic home run, established a network of buzzers linking their clubhouse and bullpen for the purpose of relaying stolen signals.

Throughout history, teams striving for superiority have consistently tested the limits of permissible conduct, progressively integrating technological advancements to enhance their strategic deceptions, ranging from simple visual tools to intricate communication methods. Martino highlights the persistent temptation to outmaneuver rivals by developing more complex techniques for interpreting the signals of the opposition.

Context

• In 1910, the team was known as the New York Highlanders. They became the Yankees in 1913. This period was marked by experimentation and the establishment of baseball traditions.
• Although the Giants' actions were controversial, they did not face significant penalties at the time, reflecting the evolving nature of rules and enforcement in baseball.

Other Perspectives

• The transition to hidden recording equipment suggests a linear progression in methods, but it may not account for the cyclical nature of tactics where older methods can resurface or be used in conjunction with new technology.
• While historical examples do show teams interpreting signals to gain an edge, it's important to recognize that not all competitive advantages were obtained through such means; many teams have focused on improving their own skills and strategies without resorting to interpreting the signals of their adversaries.
• Many organizations have implemented strict internal policies and education programs to prevent unethical practices, demonstrating a commitment to fair play.
• Technological advancements do not inherently enhance strategic deceptions; they simply provide new tools that can be used for both legitimate and illegitimate purposes.

The act of sign-stealing, previously considered a standard element of the game, became contentious following incidents such as the Giants' 1951 plot.

While Martino acknowledged the widespread perception in baseball that deciphering the signals of the rival team is a fundamental aspect of the game, he highlighted specific incidents...

Cheated Summary Key individuals involved in the Astros' deceptive scheme and their backgrounds.

Martino emphasizes the group dynamics and guidance from Astros GM Jeff Luhnow that culminated in a scandal without precedent.

Carlos Beltrán played a crucial role in refining and advancing the methods the Astros employed to decipher and communicate the signals from rival teams.

Carlos Beltrán, celebrated for his skill in deciphering the signs from rival squads, refined this talent while he was a member of the Mets.

Martino charts Beltrán's journey from a reserved rookie at Kansas City to an experienced pro adept at interpreting the signs from rival teams. Beltrán, upon his arrival in the United States, encountered cultural and linguistic barriers, but he overcame these obstacles, improved his command of English, and ultimately gained recognition as a respected sports figure. Throughout his career, he honed his ability to interpret sign sequences and detect when pitchers unintentionally signaled their upcoming throw, drawing knowledge from experienced players like Shawn Green and Carlos Delgado, and became known for sharing this expertise with the team's newcomers.

Context

• Successfully navigating these challenges can enhance a player's leadership qualities...

Cheated Summary The technological advancements that facilitated the advancement of more complex methods for intercepting signs.

During the mid-2000s, facilities of Major League Baseball teams introduced video replay technology, which provided fresh opportunities for teams to unravel the sign sequences used by their opponents.

Teams began to harness the capabilities of replay technology to meticulously analyze and memorize the signal sequences of their opponents, which they then relayed directly to the batter.

Martino describes how the advent of video replay technology, initially intended to improve the accuracy of umpire calls, inadvertently led to a resurgence in the practice of decoding the opposing team's signals. Teams utilized the available video feeds, leveraging spaces intended for analyzing plays to engrain their competitors' signal patterns, thus gaining an advantage by anticipating the forthcoming pitch. Despite being in conflict with Major League Baseball's rules at the time of its use, this strategy was often implemented and typically escaped disciplinary action.

Other Perspectives

• The implication that all teams engaged in this practice could be misleading, as it may have been only a subset of teams and not a universal approach across the league.
• Video replay...

Cheated Summary The broader context of sign-stealing across different Major League Baseball teams and the team culture that enabled the Astros' misconduct.

While many teams engaged in the practice of deciphering signals, the Astros intensified this to an unprecedented degree.

Teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers were also accused of using technology to steal signs, though the Astros' methods were seen as particularly egregious

Martino introduces the Astros scandal by suggesting that a number of other teams could have potentially been involved in sign-stealing activities to different extents. In 2017, the Red Sox encountered disciplinary actions for utilizing an Apple Watch to transmit signs during matches, and in 2018, they were penalized once more for improperly exploiting their video replay room to interpret opposing teams' signals. In 2017, the New York Yankees were penalized for improperly using dugout phones to establish communication with the replay room, but they were cleared of any significant infractions.

The scandal also implicated the Dodgers, who were accused of having their sophisticated analytics department engage in unauthorized activities to decipher the signals of opposing teams. These cases highlight a pervasive distrust among teams during this era of baseball, as advanced technology made it...