Baseball is a game full of rules and regulations, and one of the most iconic pieces of memorabilia from the sport is the spitter, a pitch that is designed to fool batters with its unpredictable trajectory. Unfortunately, this pitch has been outlawed in the official game of baseball, due to its dangerous effects and unfair advantages it gives to pitchers. In this article, we’ll explore why the spitter is illegal in baseball, and why it’s important for pitchers to understand the rules.
History of the Spitter in Baseball
The spitter was a pitch that was invented in the late 19th century, and it quickly became a popular strategy for pitchers, who used it to deceive batters and throw them off their game. The pitch was made by gripping the baseball with the fingertips and by adding a small amount of saliva to the ball, causing it to move erratically in the air. It was an effective weapon that was used by many Major League Baseball pitchers, including Hall of Fame players such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Chief Bender.
Why the Spitter is Illegal
Unfortunately, the spitter has been outlawed in baseball due to its dangerous effects and unfair advantages it gives to pitchers. First, the pitch can be dangerous to batters, as the unpredictable trajectory of the pitch can make it difficult for them to react and protect themselves. Additionally, the pitch can be dangerous to pitchers, as the saliva can be absorbed by the ball and cause it to slip out of their hands.
The pitch also gives pitchers an unfair advantage, as it is difficult for batters to predict the trajectory of the ball. This can lead to batters not being able to properly gauge a pitch and make contact with it, leading to a strike. Additionally, the pitch can be difficult for umpires to detect, as the saliva on the ball can be hard to spot.
Importance of Knowing the Rules
It is important for pitchers to understand the rules of baseball and why the spitter is illegal. Knowing the rules of the game is essential for a successful career, as pitchers can be punished for using this pitch. Additionally, knowing the rules of the game helps to ensure that the game is fair and that all players are playing by the same set of rules.
Conclusion
The spitter is an iconic pitch that has been outlawed in the game of baseball due to its dangerous effects and unfair advantages it gives to pitchers. It is important for pitchers to understand why the spitter is illegal and to know the rules of the game, as they can be punished for using it. By understanding the rules, pitchers can help to ensure that the game is fair and that everyone is playing by the same set of rules.