The Los Angeles Dodgers played against the St. Louis Cardinals and during the third inning of the ESPN broadcast game, the commentators spoke with Kiké Hernández, squad’s second baseman. He had a mic during the game, so the announcers could speak and pick up everything during the conversation.
This incorporated the PitchCom Communication System, which was established to provide pitch advice to the members and was created to aid in the prevention of sign-stealing. It also enables direct communication between pitchers and catchers without the need for hand signals.
The voice during the conversation could be heard, which stated “Changeup” and “Fastball”. The infielders also have the choice to use PitchCom to stay informed about what is happening in the situation, but with Hernández, the situation changed and veered differently.
Kiké Hernández tipping pitches (well, his PitchCom device is). 🔊🤣 pic.twitter.com/EUkcClPSOK
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 1, 2024
In 2022, a similar situation occurred when PitchCom was audibly giving away pitches during an ESPN in-game interview with Christian Arroyo. It was also discovered that players can change the device’s volume accordingly.
The PitchCom device was on the right side of Kiké Hernández's cap – and Hernández had the mic at the top center of his jersey. Volume must've been cranked all the way up. https://t.co/mmnUGq3XEm
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 31, 2024
You can hear PitchCom clear as day on this ESPN broadcast.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) March 31, 2024
Reminder: When doing in-game interviews, turn off your PitchCom. pic.twitter.com/iKGUAyPpIR
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 1, 2024
The volume of the PitchCom device was audible enough and his microphone was able to catch the sound. Subsequently, the Dodgers’ pitches were disclosed during the live broadcast of the game.
