Phillies manager Gabe Kapler says he has been informed pitchers are allowed to use the type of cheat sheets that umpire Joe West confiscated from reliever Austin Davis on Saturday night.
Umpire Joe West Confiscates Cheat sheet from Phils' Austin Davis https://t.co/ZGedteS6hu
— SportsGossip.com (@sportsgossip) September 2, 2018
Kapler made his remarks before Sunday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs.
Gabe Kapler: "I think it’s actually a really good thing for baseball. I don’t really quite understand this one. I mean, it’s not like he’s trying to hide anything. …"
Joe Maddon: "There’s nothing wrong with it. Who cares?" @M_Montemurro: https://t.co/Yn9A1TSw9w
— The Athletic (@TheAthleticPHI) September 2, 2018
Kapler and Davis said the left-hander was using the card merely for information on the Cubs hitters. But West said it was illegal under Rule 6.02(c)(7), which states that the pitcher shall not have on his person, or in his possession, any foreign substance.
West, who is in his 41st season as an umpire, indicated Saturday night that he contacted the league office to see if the cards, which aren’t specifically banned in the rule book, would be allowed.
I think it’s the pitchers job to remember the batters. Use your brain, they get paid a lot of money. Make sure they study, work hard, and maybe then, they won’t need a cheat sheet. All you need on the mound is a glove, a hat, and a baseball. IMO.
