Baseball appears to pause between pitches. In reality, those pauses are filled with
communication.
The catcher lowers a hand between their knees. The pitcher nods, shakes their head, or steps off
the rubber. An infielder moves two steps toward second base. A coach touches an arm. A runner
extends a lead. The umpire settles into position behind the plate.
No words have been exchanged, yet nearly everyone has communicated something.
Baseball is often described through its visible actions: the pitch, the swing, the catch, the throw, and
the run. Underneath those actions is an extensive communication system connecting players,
coaches, umpires, fans, and even opponents. Some messages are intentionally sent. Others are
conveyed through posture, timing, movement, and reaction. Some must be understood immediately.
Others are deliberately concealed.
A baseball game is a conversation conducted largely without sentences.