The use of pine tar in baseball has been a hotly debated topic for years. While some players and coaches have argued that it helps them increase their throwing velocity, others have argued that it does nothing to improve throwing power. So, does pine tar make you throw harder?
What is Pine Tar?
Pine tar is a sticky substance made from the resin of pine trees. It has been used for centuries as a sealant, lubricant, and adhesive. In baseball, it is typically applied to the pitchers’ hands, gloves, and sometimes balls to improve grip and reduce slippage.
How Does Pine Tar Affect Throwing Velocity?
The debate over the impact of pine tar on throwing velocity has raged for decades. While some players and coaches argue that it helps them increase their throwing velocity, others claim that it does nothing to improve throwing power. So, does pine tar make you throw harder?
The short answer is that it is difficult to say for certain whether or not pine tar increases throwing velocity. There have been studies that suggest that pine tar can increase grip and reduce slippage, which could in turn lead to improved throwing power. However, there have also been studies that suggest that pine tar does not have any significant impact on throwing velocity.
Does Pine Tar Make You More Accurate?
Proponents of pine tar argue that it can help improve throwing accuracy. They claim that the increased grip and reduced slippage can help pitchers throw more accurately by allowing them to better control the spin and trajectory of the ball.
However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. It is possible that pine tar could improve throwing accuracy, but it is difficult to say for certain.
Is Pine Tar Legal in Baseball?
Yes, pine tar is legal in baseball. However, it is only allowed in certain amounts. According to the Major League Baseball Rule Book, pitchers are allowed to use a “reasonable amount” of pine tar on their hands and gloves.
However, if a pitcher is found to be using too much pine tar, they will be subject to disciplinary action. This could include a warning, ejection from the game, or even a suspension.
Conclusion
The debate over the impact of pine tar on throwing velocity has raged for decades. While some players and coaches argue that it helps them increase their throwing velocity, others claim that it does nothing to improve throwing power. So, does pine tar make you throw harder?
The short answer is that it is difficult to say for certain whether or not pine tar increases throwing velocity. There have been studies that suggest that pine tar can increase grip and reduce slippage, which could in turn lead to improved throwing power. However, there have also been studies that suggest that pine tar does not have any significant impact on throwing velocity.
Pine tar is legal in baseball, but it is only allowed in certain amounts. If a pitcher is found to be using too much pine tar, they will be subject to disciplinary action. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that pine tar helps improve throwing accuracy, but it is possible that it could. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use pine tar is up to the individual player.