Seen hidden-ball tricks? Well, not this one

The Minor Leagues are where you go to hone your skills and learn your craft. It’s where you go to really understand the game of baseball.

During Thursday’s Double-A game against Frisco, Corpus Christi outfielder Justin Dirden learned to keep his head on a swivel at all times as a slight lack of awareness resulted in a rather embarrassing moment for the 24-year-old.

Dirden’s single to right field in the third inning put runners on the corners for the Hooks. As the ball came back into the infield, it was casually flagged down by RoughRiders first baseman Trey Hair, who then stuck the ball between the mesh in the back of his mitt.

The perfect trap was almost set.

As Dirden talked with his first-base coach, Hair strolled back to the bag and swiped his foot across the base as if he was just dusting it off. Dirden stepped away to give Hair room, which is when the first baseman put the tag on the unsuspecting runner, who was called out.

The effective use of the hidden ball trick didn’t ultimately hurt the Hooks, who went on to win, 9-5. And Dirden fully redeemed himself in his next at-bat by muscling a three-run homer to center field.