Watch CBS News

Mets' Granderson Says He Wasn't Photographing Duda In Dugout, But He Is Pretty Much Everywhere Else

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Fearing sign stealing or other deceptive acts, Major League Baseball bans cellphones in dugouts. So after the Mets' Curtis Granderson was seen Wednesday using an iPad to apparently record or take photos of teammate Lucas Duda, following one of the first baseman's two homers against the Braves, some observers wondered how tablets were any better.

It turns out Granderson wasn't using the MLB-branded device for pictures or video.

"It doesn't have video or photo features," the right fielder said, according to the New York Post. "We're just doing it more for prop purposes. They don't want us to have any recording device, which is a little ... interesting ... considering all the cameras that are in the ballpark. So we can't do that.

"I have to look into it because they said no phones, but they did say tablets are OK. So, I don't know if I can bring my own. I might be able to video it."

In March, Major League Baseball and Apple announced they were collaborating to bring iPads and a new advance scouting, analytics and video app called MLB Dugout into dugouts.

"Our collaboration with Apple on the use of iPad Pro in dugouts and bullpens is part of our ongoing effort to introduce extraordinary technology into our game," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said at the time.

As for Granderson, it turns out one of his hobbies is chronicling the shy Duda. Granderson, who was warned by baseball officials after he was caught recording Duda with his phone earlier this season, runs an Instagram account called "@wefollowlucasduda" that includes videos and photos of the slugger, including of mundane activities such as him getting a haircut and eating peach cobbler.

Granderson started the feed last season, along with now-released reserve outfielder John Mayberry Jr. and infielder Danny Muno, now in Triple-A, the Post reported. As of Thursday morning, the account had 109,000 followers.

"He (Duda) doesn't necessarily like it," Granderson said. "He's not a huge fan of it because he doesn't like any more added attention."

Duda had no comment Wednesday about the Instagram account.

"You have to ask Granderson about that," he told the Post.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.