Was Georgia tipping off pitches?

Perhaps lost in the celebration of the SouthEast team from Georgia defeating the team from New England tonight was the fact that Portsmouth, New Hampshire manager Mark McCauley was caught by an ESPN dugout microphone to have said during the game that the Georgia baserunners were "tipping off pitches" to their hitters.

This of course brings up the issue of whether there should be microphones at all here at the Little League World Series. (I can confirm that ESPN people are discussing the very topic for next year.) But the bigger issue is--if it's true--whether the team from Georgia was indeed tipping pitches to their hitters. If so it goes against every principle this event is about.

When I asked McCauley if he'd like to comment about the 'stealing sign' incident he said, "No. I think I'll leave the comments for the game on the field." I could tell he was visibly upset about it. Still he was very proud of his team. "We've fought hard in every game. I'm very proud of them. These 13 guys are the best collection of men I've ever coached."

The Georgia team is no stranger to controversy. Two nights ago, after they lost to the Great Lakes team, many Phoenix fans claimed that the 'fix' was in and that Georgia intentionally scored fewer runs so they could advance--and the team from Arizona be eliminated. It got so heated that that one Phoenix fan was actually escorted out of the stadium.

Georgia manager Randy Morris understands the dissapointment but not the sentiment. "I still don't see what I did wrong in that situation," he said. His contention is that allegations of 'throwing a game' shows that people don't know his team very well.

I'm curious for those of you who saw it on TV. Did it look like they were tipping pitches? It was tough to tell from the press box but the buzz around the stadium made sure that this game will be talked about for quite some time.

Comments

[Donald Armstrong]

Stealing signs is part of baseball. The statement by the Manager, " I still don't see what i did wrong in that situation." Is that about the sign stealing or the throwing of the game to eliminate Arizona. I hope he is not admitting to throwing the game. If he is what is LLBB going to do.

[Art M.]

I can't believe the coach threw the game intentionally. The pitcher for IL looked good and was throwing really well to beat GA. I don't know what the GA coach was trying to say regarding his comment of not doing anything wrong, which to some indicated he may have lost on purpose. He's not a professional speaker and doesn't give post game interviews 162 times a year. He may have chosen his words poorly when he was replying to the question. something all of us do from time to time. Just like the coach from IL who shot off his mouth about the GA pitchers hat and not ever apologizing for his remarks - even after it was explained that the kid slightly turns his cap because he has a shunt in his head.

[Leslie Moore]

This controversy exist here ONLY because an egotistical, poor sport coach had not in his arsenal anything POSITIVE to encourage his ballplayers with therefore he attempted to blacken the opposition. Several times during the series I noted the lack of character in this guy. I am ashamed that Little League gets all the publicity it does and allows coaches with this guys lack of character anywhere near impressionable kids.
As far as "stealing of signs" goes it was going on in earlier games with at least two other teams having nothing to do with Georgia. As someone has said it IS a part of "heads up" baseball the same as scouting or "getting the book" on the opposition is. It is a component to be admired and shouldn't be allowed to be fodder for a "poor sport" in the person of this adult coach to sling at those teams that happen to be out hitting, out pitching, out hustling his own at the time!

[charlie kurtz]

It is amazing to me how these coaches just can't shut up and say we got beat by a better team. First the coach Hall talking about respect and integrity after on national TV his player slams his batting helmet to the ground and then throws a tantrum in the dug out,Coach before you talk about another teams players control your own.Regarding the stealing of pitches you still have to hit the ball or did the team from columbus steal the hits too. Throwing the game give me a break these kids don't want to loose at wall ball.

[Lucy]

why would someone throw a game in the world series?
i mean common seiously.
yall are dumb if you think Randy Morris did that.
THINK PEOPLE.

[Lucy]

and as far as stealing signs,
WELCOME TO BASEBALL
if you dont like it, make your signs harded to pick up

[Paul]

Stealing signs goes on all the time. I am a High school coach and we instruct all of our players to try and steal the signs of the catcher if you are on second base. I know this is just 11-13 year olds playing, but this is a part of baseball. The trick is to make your signs harder to pick up

[Neil Corp]

Come On Folks Yes stealling signs is part of the game I have been a president for 4 years all these rules is what is building the travel team all over. LLBB is falling prey to everybody wins kids will have fun kids will win and lose coaches will coach to win even in T-ball if you have never coached a team you will never know what your kids want the most yes to win as a coach you must teach both winning and losing
the coach did't throw the game and yes he was probally stealing signs its part of the game make them harder to steal
and score more runs than the other team DUH!!