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As a baseball fan, it's funny to see this article from a few cycles of the pitching/batting arms race ago. Corrupt is not quite how I would describe what's goi

As a baseball fan, it's funny to see this article from a few cycles of the pitching/batting arms race ago. Corrupt is not quite how I would describe what's going on. Baseball has always had elements of deception, rule bending, innovation in equipment, the need for secretive methods of communication (and therefore codebreaking), and acts that are against the rules but within the spirit of the game (and acts that aren't against the rules but do violate the spirit of the game). Baseball has a very rich and complex culture surrounding it.

NoZebra120vClip 3y ago
Perhaps it doesn't ruin the game, but it must have an effect of disillusionment. What do kids from Little League think? What do new recruits to the Major Leagues think? When do they find out? This doesn't seem to be discussed by color commentators. My father's a huge fan and doesn't seem to mention stuff like that from modern times. I had the impression it was a few crooked pitchers who would eventually get caught. Do any players try to play "honestly" without indulging in the rule breaking... sorry, bending, that "everybody else is doing"? How does that work out for them?
- TRiG_Ireland 3y ago
  “Cheat? Good heavens, this is an amateur cricket match amongst leading prep schools, I'm an Englishman and a schoolmaster supposedly setting an example to his young charges. We are playing the most artistic and beautiful game ever devised. Of course I'll cunting well cheat.” ― Stephen Fry, The Liar.
- currymj 3y ago
  it's understood to be a gray area. you're not supposed to be throwing spitballs, true, but batters aren't necessarily unhappy if pitchers have more control and are less likely to hit them in the head. the players also aren't necessarily using special-purpose foreign substances; sometimes they take advantage of some combination of rosin, sunscreen, and sweat, each of which is totally legal. the recent crackdown is basically only because it's a lever to improve batting. if offense got too good for some reason, i bet they would loosen up again.
- jrumbut 3y ago
  Just to add to @currymj's response, sticky stuff won't help a Little League pitcher. There is a level of velocity and control you need that no 12 year old could muster.

NoZebra120vClip 3y ago

Perhaps it doesn't ruin the game, but it must have an effect of disillusionment. What do kids from Little League think? What do new recruits to the Major Leagues think? When do they find out? This doesn't seem to be discussed by color commentators. My father's a huge fan and doesn't seem to mention stuff like that from modern times. I had the impression it was a few crooked pitchers who would eventually get caught. Do any players try to play "honestly" without indulging in the rule breaking... sorry, bending, that "everybody else is doing"? How does that work out for them?

TRiG_Ireland 3y ago
“Cheat? Good heavens, this is an amateur cricket match amongst leading prep schools, I'm an Englishman and a schoolmaster supposedly setting an example to his young charges. We are playing the most artistic and beautiful game ever devised. Of course I'll cunting well cheat.” ― Stephen Fry, The Liar.
currymj 3y ago
it's understood to be a gray area. you're not supposed to be throwing spitballs, true, but batters aren't necessarily unhappy if pitchers have more control and are less likely to hit them in the head. the players also aren't necessarily using special-purpose foreign substances; sometimes they take advantage of some combination of rosin, sunscreen, and sweat, each of which is totally legal. the recent crackdown is basically only because it's a lever to improve batting. if offense got too good for some reason, i bet they would loosen up again.
jrumbut 3y ago
Just to add to @currymj's response, sticky stuff won't help a Little League pitcher. There is a level of velocity and control you need that no 12 year old could muster.