How do coaches talk to pitchers on the mound when the pitcher doesn't speak english?

Question

In today's Red Sox game Francona went out to talk to Dice K on the mound, since Dice K doesn't speak English how did it work, are they allowed some kind a translating device or a cell phone with a translator on the line?

Answer 1

But they all speak baseball.

I'm in Toronto, and there was a time when we could get Expos telecasts in French. we actually got them more frequently in French than we did in English. I don't speak French, not much more than a few words and phrases (which is about the equivalent of what Matsuzaka would have right now, in English), but I understood what was going on at all times, because I understand the language of baseball. I didn't understand some of the stories that the announcers were telling, but I didn't miss them either.

MLB does not allow interpreters on the bench of the mound.

There's an interesting story about Hideo Nomo, Mike Piazza and Dave Wallace in Nomo's first or second season in north america. Nomo was on the mound, and Wallace wanted to say something to his pitcher. Piazza, of course, followed Wallace to the mound. Wallace stated speaking to Nomo, but in Spanish. Piazza reminded Wallace that is was Nomo on the mound, but Nomo had already learned enough Spanish from another of the Dodgers UN of pitchers to reply in Spanish.

I'm also certain that they've worked out a group of signals between them for stuff do you want to pitch to this guy or the next one, etc.

Not all communication is verbal.

Answer 2

Dice-K and most other pitchers understand enough key words i.e. keep ball down, pitch inside, you feel ok etc. to understand what the coach is implying. Plus, a lot of the time it's not so much what they say as it is a chance to rest a pitcher, or even psyche out the batter. Also most mound conversations also benifit the infielders as a coach can set up specific fielding formations.

Dice did look good though!

Answer 3

Im sure thats where either...

A. A translator comes into play. I know the Red Sox has a translator in the dugout for their new pitcher, so im sure when Matsusaka is pitching, and the coach needs to come out to go over something, the translator comes out too.

B. The Pitcher and/or Coach/Manager learns some of the language, and keep what is said simple.

Answer 4

Translator, just kidding. Most coaches know some Spanish. The problem with the some of the other languages is dealt with simple signs regarding steal a base, walk the batter etc. Catcher must find a way to bridge the gap.

Answer 5

dice k actually knows a lot of baseball english ex. slider, fastball, chang-up whatever. i actually heard them talking about this on espn. and dice k is a real smart guy who is picking up the language really well plus if there is something the team cant get across the have some one to talk the dice k who can speak jappanese

Answer 6

generally the manager/pitching coach are taught all the baseball terms in that language(japanese for this case)...eventually the pitcher learns at least baseball terms in english i would imagine

Answer 7

Dice K has a couple interpreters with him practically at all times...and they go out when the coaches do...