© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Baseball

The use of hand signaling in baseball goes back to the 1890s when a deaf ball player's coach started using hand signals to let the player know if the previous pitch was a strike or a ball -- maybe. Steve is joined by Josh Prager, senior special writer at the Wall Street Journal, to talk about the history of signing in America's pastime, and the questions that still surround its origin. Prager is currently writing a book about sign stealing in 1951 and the "Shot Heard Round the World."

Copyright 2002 NPR

Local journalism matters—and it’s at risk.


WKAR brings you trusted news, without barriers—no paywalls, no corporate spin. But now, federal funding that helps make it all possible is on the chopping block. Your support is more important than ever. Stand up for independent journalism in mid-Michigan—make your gift today.