The Secrets of Pine Tar and Other Pitching Tricks in Major League Baseball

Introduction

The art of pitching in Major League Baseball is a blend of skill, strategy, and sometimes, hidden tactics. One such covert practice is the use of pine tar, a substance commonly applied to improve grip but often employed in a way that goes against the rules. This article delves into the prevalence and methods of these pitching tricks, focusing on pine tar and emery boards, and highlights how these practices are managed by MLB to maintain fairness and integrity.

Pine Tar: The Ever-Present Foe or Friend?

Pine Tar Usage and MLB Rules

The use of pine tar on a pitcher's hat is a practice that is often employed but officially not tracked. Its usage is technically against Major League Baseball (MLB) rules, except when applied to the glove or uniform. This discretion is to prevent the manipulation of the ball, which is a violation of the sport's integrity. Asnotedbyhistoriansandanalyticalsources,somepitchershavebeenknowntousepinetar,

Official Rules and Sanctions

The rules set by MLB stipulate that any foreign substance must be applied strictly to the pitcher's hands and uniform, not the hat. The rationale behind this rule is to ensure that the ball's integrity is maintained, and any manipulation is avoided. If a ball hits the ground, it is generally taken out of play, making it impossible to claim that the dark substance came from the field. Vaseline, on the other hand, is clear and less noticeable, making it a preferred substitute for pine tar.

Other Pitching Tricks: Emery Boards and Ball Scuffing

Emery Board Tricks

Besides pine tar, another common technique amongst pitchers is using an emery board to scuff the ball. This method is more surreptitious and is less likely to be caught by umpires. An emery board is a small, flat, abrasive tool used to remove small amounts of leather or rubber from a surface. Pitchers can hide this device on their body and use it to scuff the ball subtly, giving it an unpredictable spin and movement.

Scuffing Balls in the Field

Ball gamebooks and historical accounts have detailed instances of catchers also playing a part in this practice by rubbing the ball on their gear. This method is famously mentioned in the book "Ball Four" where Whitey Ford, a renowned pitcher, is said to be an expert at ball scuffing. While Gaylord Perry, another pitcher known for his skill in using spitballs (a term for any pitch contaminated with any foreign substance), was caught tampering with baseballs only once, and that was with an emery board.

Conclusion

In the intricate world of baseball, certain tricks and tactics, such as the use of pine tar, emery boards, and ball scuffing, are practices that add an interesting layer to the game. However, these methods must be employed with caution as they can lead to severe penalties if discovered. The official stance by MLB is to maintain the purity and fairness of the game, ensuring that every pitcher competes on a level playing field.