The New York Yankees dugout reportedly was fumed after they caught the Astros stealing signs during Game 1 of the ALCS.
Game 4 of the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros is upon us. First pitch for that matchup is set to take place Thursday night at 8:08 p.m. ET in the Bronx.
However, what’s making headlines is something that occurred back in Game 1 of this series.
Apparently, the Yankees caught the Astros stealing signs by whistling on specific pitches. This resulted in anger from the Bombers dugout, according to sources close to SNY’s Andy Martino.
“The whole dugout was pissed,” said one source. “Everyone was chirping.”
Is this the only time the Astros have done something of this nature? Apparently not.
“They’ve been doing it for years,” a separate team’s executive alleged.
“I would consider whistling a tired act that goes beyond what is acceptable,” said another executive. “If the Astros or anyone else was doing it, it would be considered a break in the unwritten rules. I have not been part of any team that used a whistle from the dugout for pitch type or location.”
The Yanks have reasoning behind the so-called “chirping” towards the opposing ballclub. Yet, the sign-stealing didn’t exactly change much. New York took Game 1 after shutting out Houston 7-0.
Houston currently leads the series 2-1 after stealing Game 2 at home and Game 3 on the road. The next two games will be at Yankee Stadium, with Games 6 and 7 (if the series lasts that long) back in Houston.