One of baseball's many fun and quirky plays is the hidden-ball trick, which isn't attempted nearly as often I would like. It's an underutilized tool! No one expects it!

Earlier this week, Brewers third base prospect Lucas Erceg successfully completed the hidden-ball trick, and he waited patiently to do so. After the runner, Astros prospect Kyle Tucker, arrived at third base as part of a double steal, Erceg faked the throw back to the pitcher, then waited for Tucker to take his lead off third before applying the tag. 

Here's the video:

I count 36 seconds between the fake throw to the pitcher and the tag. Also, Tucker was initially called safe! The umpiring crew had huddle together to talk the play over -- they did so without the benefit of instant replay -- before determining that yes, the hidden-ball trick was successful. Everything was done properly.

Smart, heads up play by Erceg, Milwaukee's second-round pick in last summer's amateur draft. Hopefully we see a few more hidden-ball tricks this season.