They Actually Pulled Off the Hidden Ball Trick at Double-A!

May 20, 2022, by Michael Cerami Baseball Is Fun

I will never, ever, ever get tired of the hidden ball trick. For my money, it’s right up there with a straight steal of home as the most fun and unexpected plays in baseball. It also oozes backyard baseball energy, which is more relatable for those of us who grew up playing pickup games in parking lots and in park district little leagues.

Unfortunately, you don’t see professional players attempting the hidden ball trick too often. It’s difficult to pull off and (more importantly) you’ll end looking like a giant turd if you try to make it happen and fail (probably in the eyes of your own teammates and coaches, let alone the other team).

But yesterday, a professional ballplayer pulled it off. Flawlessly. Watch closely as the first baseman for the Frisco RoughRiders (the Rangers Double-A affiliate), Trey Hair, fields a throw in from the outfield, sticks the ball in between the webbing of the front of his mitt, and deviously trots back to first base with a very specific plan in mind.

🚨HIDDEN BALL TRICK 🚨 pic.twitter.com/87z3MCy8rI

— Frisco RoughRiders (@RidersBaseball) May 20, 2022

GOT HIM!

Instead of first and third with one out, Hair’s play made it two outs with a runner on third. The pitcher struck out the next batter and the inning was over. Awesome.

Also, kudos to the ump for understanding what was about to happen, getting in a position to make the call, and not giving anything away. Unfortunately, we have to subtract points from the third and first base coaches who did not help their player out.

Filed to: Baseball Is Fun