Sign stealing has been going on since the inception of the game of baseball. It has become a part of the game. There is plenty of evidence showing that multiple teams (if not all) are guilty of using binoculars, telescopes, buzzer, etc. for generations. Who is without “sin” in this matter? There has been way too much stone throwing at the Astros some even advocating disannulling their championship in 2017 and life-time bans of players. Let’s have enough sense to walk away from this matter.

The Pharisees asked Jesus the stoning question not because they cared about the woman or were particularly concerned about the sin of adultery; their motive was to embarrass Jesus and put him on the spot. I wonder how many of those who condemn the Astros really care that much about what is best for the game in general? They are basically sore losers. There are usually those who say after a loss, “We were robbed!” Sometimes that may be the case; however, the phrase sounds more like sour grapes.

Commissioner Manfred’s punishment of perhaps ruining the baseball careers of at least five men is too severe. Especially, for something that has not carried virtually any sanctions before.. As for the draft, maybe it is time do abolish that experiment, which was borrowed from the NFL and NBA.

Let’s go back to the way the game was played up until the mid-fifties. Sign stealing and attempts to confound those stealing the signs add to the intrigue of the game. I doubt if all sign stealing became legal it would significantly add to the batting average of baseball players. As Ralph Branca said, “Bobby Thompson still had to hit the ball!,” which is no easy task.

Finally, Jesus said to the adulterous woman, “Go and sin no more.” I say, “Play Ball!” Let the players figure out how to keep sign stealing under control like days of old with the brush back pitch, hard slides and good old brawls.