Jun
15
Briefly Speaking, from Victor Niederhoffer
June 15, 2010 |
In various readings, one casually hears about meetings between the flexions at dinner or lunch, where they discuss their positions such as the counterparts who are buying pounds from them or lunches where they all are invited to give their views. These obviously serve the same function as the annual meetings at Delphi a few thousand years ago and Jackson Hole, and Davos today, And conventions where the bigs can make sure they are on the same page. But how do they make sure they are on same page during a given day when so much can happen these days. The shadow wants to know, And at a baseball game between the yankees and Houston that Aubrey attended yesterday one was looking closely at the hidden signals and conventions for clues as to how they communicated.
One was impressed with the myriad ways the teams have evolved, their equipment, and particularly their stretches and sideways running practice to better steal. I liked also the rhythm of the throws around the infield after an out so that the third basemen would gradually approach the mound as they relayed it around the paths, and then lob it so gently to the pitcher so as not to offend the sensiblities of his pitching hand et al.
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At one time, baseball was characterized as America’s paatime. Unfortunately, that time has passed and other sports have taken center stage. Football and Nascar have replaced baseball and sadly the game is no longer at the top of the list of youth in America today who play organized baseball. Sports such as soccer with the ubiquitious “soccer mom” have taken over and in many ways this is a shame.
Baseball played at the highest form is a combination of art and sport,majesty, deftness, and raw power. The subtelties of the game is just beautiful like a well coreographed ballet, and there is no adequate substitute of appreciation for the game than to attend a game at a ballpark.
Before the first pitch is thrown many various and sundry parts are quickly being assembled and put in place.
The catcher is communicating to his pitcher by a system of signs. One finger for a fastball, two for a curve, three for a slider and then he indicates the location as to where he wants to get the pitch. Inside or outside.
The Third base coach is communicating with the batter as to what he wants to have happen. With players on base the signs become very complex. He may call for a hit-and -run, a steal, a bunt, swing away, Brim, belt, letters, wrist, shoulder, eyes.
The bench coach is sending signals to the third base coach. He is also positioning fielders.
A infielder is using signals with his counterpart as to who will cver second base. He may open his mouth or close it to distinguesh who will cover the bag in the event of an attempted steal.
The pitching coach is on the phone with the bullpen deciding who he wants to warm up and how the relievers are looking.
The last starting pitcher is charting pitches for the current pitcher. He is doing a pitch count, what he has been throwing,
An assistant is on the computer, checking stats on who the batter is and what he is most likely to hit. Does he like them high and tight, low and fast, does he like to work the count.
The batter on deck is warming up with a well coreographed series of warm-ups. Stretching, swinging watching waiting.
All of this is happening in the space of less than a minute. The astute observer who is aware of this can appreciate the game far more than just watching the batter step up to the plate and hit the ball.
The scoreboard is flashing statistics on the batter, and the scores of the other games in progress.
There is background music and maybe even an organ playing “Take me out to the ballgame” In Boston the fans are singing ‘Sweet Caroline”
The guy in the seat next to you might be scoring the game with his score book.
The comparisons to the trading floor are absolutely remarkable when one thinks about it. The lessons to devour and consume can provide meals for a lifetime.
Or on the other hand, one may just sit back, order a beer, soda, hot dog, cracker jack, and root root root for the old home team.
God bless America
Steve, weren’t you the one that introduced “The Code” by Ross Berstein to the list. Here its told the game boils down to respect, with intimidation and retaliation thrown-in (by the pitcher)…..Yes the game has changed, and I wonder if much has to do with the inflated salaries (and ego’s) where a team has to keep a player because they’ve invested so much money on him that the 20,000 other players in AAA that are much better never get a chance. I heard that the Texas Rangers filed for bankruptcy……so I guess you’ll see a whole lot of change if Corporate America stops sponsoring these clubs, which could be a good think with salaries dropping like sunflower seed from the mouth of nervous managers…….shoot one just might be able to
afford to see a game and have a ballpark meal to boot. One thing for sure, you’ll see players on the field that love the game even if they don’t get free batting gloves and new shoes every game………………..
Endemic
Surely this news comes as no surprise…
Commentary: The Investor’s Advocate, By Stephen J Nelson; The Nelson Law Firm, LLC; The information used to make regulatory decisions is almost always generated by the securities industry. There has been no counterbalance on the investors’ side, until recently. See…
http://www.tradersmagazine.com/news/sec-investor-advisor-committee-regulatory-capture-105904-1.html?ET=tradersmagazine:e607:54049a:&st=email&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tm_xtra_061510
I played left field, first base, and pitched in little league and junior high. The game is fun. What has mass commercialization done to the sport – or what have those done who so developed its business/market applications?
All I know is that I don’t watch it anymore.
dr
not relevant to the discussion but more to prior posts:
42 tick bar with volume provides valuable clues for detecting temporary moves on low volume that should be faded especially during the middle of the day in the eminis. a strategy to fight the machines that chop day traders up in the middle of the day and middle of the day’s range.
however, 5 min bars and 15 min bars work very well during the first two hours and last two hours.