[N. Theknow]

Stealing signals is not illegal in MLB, correct?

Stealing signs is part of the game in MLB. Some guys on the bench have no other job than trying to steal signs. That is why the signs are so complicated with the use of an "indicator" and the true sign being the first, second or third sign after the indicator.

Usually.

What is NOT "legal" is putting someone in centerfield with binoculars and a walkie-talkie to relay signs of what pitch a catcher is calling for.

However, a runner at second base can pick off the pitch signs, BUT the catcher usually gives mutiple signs with the true sign being an agreed upon sign in the series between the pitcher and catcher.

That is "mostly" what conferences at the mound are for when runners are on base.

The runner is usually not there long enough to figure out which sign is the true one but someone in centerfield would be there long enough to figure it out.

Good managers have the pitch sign and other signs changed fairly often in a game. Billy Martin was one of the toughest managers to steal signs off.

[codercpc]

Earlier this week, the third base coach of the Brewers had the runner try and steal a base in the first inning. Apparently the head coach Ned Yost asked the third base coach why in h*ll he would try and steal in that situation. The coach said that he saw Ned signal it. After they talked about it, they realized that Ned had actually been scratching a mosquito bite on his arm.

This story was told by Ned Yost himself in a post game interview.