The world-famous Boston Red Sox baseball team are embroiled in a controversial storm over cheating with the help of technology.
The players are accused of relaying messages from a spy in the ground to an Apple Watch worn by the hitter.
The row revolves around signalling pitches.
Rules say hitters must not have any technical aids to help them see the catcher’s signals from behind them to the pitcher.
Officials from the New York Yankees, were furious when they spotted coaches in the dug-out sending messages to the hitter telling him what type of delivery the catcher had told pitcher to throw.
Gamesmanship
After the match, the Yankees sent a video of their evidence to the sport’s governing body, Major league Baseball.
The cheating accusations are under investigation.
To stir the row, the Red Sox have accused the Yankees of stealing signs from in-house video cameras at games.
Insiders say that stadiums rigged for video have caused the problem because official monitoring the field can easily signal the dugout.
Stealing signs has always played a part in baseball as one side tries gamesmanship to gain the upper hand.
Although players on other bases can signal the hitter about the pitch, baseball rules ban using optical or technical devices.
Protests
One of the most infamous stealing signs occurrences was when Bobby Thompson of the New York Giants hit a world series winning home run – later it was revealed someone in the team was spotting signs with a telescope from outside the ground and sending messages to the hitters.
The Red Sox incident has provoked protests from fans and players about if stealing signs can stay as part of baseball.
Coaches are reconsidering how players communicate on the field to stop rivals overhearing their game plans and tactics.
Some are calling for a ban on technology on the pitch and in the dug-out, but the MLB is not sure how to police such action.
The MLB is considering a punishment for the Red Sox, who currently head their league and are heading for the world series play offs.
“The problem is just how much stealing signs may have influenced a game and making sure the punishment fits the seriousness of what has gone,” said an MLB spokesman.