Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

[WazzuRC]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

Stupid logic on the umpire's end. That's not unwritten (not that it's written either), but people behind the plate calling the game get restless. It's their job to stay back there, and an inch off the plate is a ball from the beginning of the game to the end of the game. It invigorates me that I have to be placed in the same category as these lazy baseball officials.

What I can't seem to figure out is, of all the times to give the pitcher a wide strike, why on a 3-0 count? He didn't earn it, hasn't for three pitches. And now you discredit the batter's ability to have an eye at the plate for four pitches and you bring him back into the box on a wide one. Makes no sense.

Right. I shouldn't have to change my approach at the plate because the other team can't stop my team. Keep the strike zone consistent, inning to inning, no matter what the score.

[Bellsprout]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

Watching the Brewers and I just saw Ryan Braun walk to the box in front of the catcher/umpire and not behind them. I laughed.

[KingV2k3]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

Good read, thanks OP!

They forgot "don't try to bunt your way on to spoil a no hitter" and don't sac bunt when you're way ahead (or way behind)...

But interesting nonetheless...

[bcruise]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

Rex Hudler certainly agrees with #3 - DON'T RUB IT!!

[Blzer]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

They forgot "don't try to bunt your way on to spoil a no hitter" and don't sac bunt when you're way ahead (or way behind)...

But interesting nonetheless...

It depends on how you read your sentence, but if you take both statements and end them with "When you're way ahead (or behind)" would be more accurate. You are absolutely allowed to drag bunt during a no-hitter, you are not about to take away a winning advantage when you see one in a one-run game because someone hasn't given up one of those already. What you're not going to do is try and scrap your way on when already down 9 - 0 in the 8th inning. While it is a matter of respect, it's also a matter of your own well-being. Everyone else knows the unwritten rule... fans, sportscasters, the other team, and the pitcher. He may be going headhunting the next time you bat or the batter right after you just to send you the message. Not worth it IMO.

[NYJets]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big...urn=mlb,238853



I found that pretty interesting. Some things I never thought of, like the don't cross in front of the ump/catcher rule.

#1 and #2 are ridiculous. You aren't out there to help the other team out. I understand not stealing bases in a blowout, but you should still be trying to have good at bats. I never really heard of #2, and I constantly hear great players getting commended for never giving away an at bat.

#3 isn't really a big deal either way.

#4 is fair.

Never heard of #5. Maybe it's just a major league thing, but I walked in front of the catcher all the time when I played, and so did most people when I was catching. Like the mound thing its really stupid and makes no sense.

#7 is stupid, again, you are trying to win a game. If you take it easy it should be because you can, not to help them out.

I agree with 9 and 10 completely.

[KingV2k3]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

It depends on how you read your sentence, but if you take both statements and end them with "When you're way ahead (or behind)" would be more accurate. You are absolutely allowed to drag bunt during a no-hitter, you are not about to take away a winning advantage when you see one in a one-run game because someone hasn't given up one of those already. What you're not going to do is try and scrap your way on when already down 9 - 0 in the 8th inning. While it is a matter of respect, it's also a matter of your own well-being. Everyone else knows the unwritten rule... fans, sportscasters, the other team, and the pitcher. He may be going headhunting the next time you bat or the batter right after you just to send you the message. Not worth it IMO.

Good point!

[JEM]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

#6 is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Don't help other players as they fall into the dugout? I see that happen on a regular basis and never thought that there was a school of mind that said not to help them.


Most of these unwritten rules are things I've never heard of.
I have a couple things to add though:

Any foul tip that hits off the umpire, the catcher goes out to talk to the pitcher, any time the catcher makes a block and has to use a body part none of us want to get hit in, the umpire dusts off the plate.

In any blowout, whether you are the victim or the foe, never swing at a 3-0 pitch.

Those should be on the list. Even batters will take an extra practice swing or two in the same situation even when the catcher / umpire says they are ok.

#5 really isnt an unwritten rule.. Not on the same level as the ones kehlis mentioned.

[Dbax_Faithful]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

Good read, thanks OP!

They forgot "don't try to bunt your way on to spoil a no hitter" and don't sac bunt when you're way ahead (or way behind)...

But interesting nonetheless...

I just wanted to throw in there that sac bunting when way behind is plain stupid on a "trying to come back" standpoint. A sac bunt is giving away an out that could be used to...say...hit a double that could score the runner from first and NOT get one out closer to losing.

[Blzer]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

I just wanted to throw in there that sac bunting when way behind is plain stupid on a "trying to come back" standpoint. A sac bunt is giving away an out that could be used to...say...hit a double that could score the runner from first and NOT get one out closer to losing.

Well, let's put this into a little bit of perspective here. Nobody minds going for a run an inning until you're caught up, so I say that if you are behind by a number that is less than or equal to the number of offensive innings you have remaining in regulation, a sacrifice bunt is okay. Is it suggested? Perhaps not, but it isn't unwarranted by any means.

That said, I have been coaching softball this summer and have seen coaches who literally sacrifice in the last inning when down by, say, three runs. Let's forget sacrifices for a second... I have seen them take risks with this runner as well like stealing and getting an extra base on a hit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only crucial runs in this inning are the potential tying and go-ahead runs. Obviously the runners in front matter too, but they will score if the others score anyway. So why risk them? It's like if you're down by two runs in the last inning and the lead-off batter is asked whether he would like a home run or a walk. In the end it doesn't matter, because the tying run is the one on deck. He just needs to reach safely. Obviously staying out of the double play would be nice, but that's besides the point and isn't worth the risk of getting out just to try and avoid something else.

So just like sacrifice bunts, I wouldn't risk things like sending runners or stretching extra base hits unless I am down by a number of runs less than or equal to the number of offensive innings I have left. If I'm in the ninth inning, I obviously only consider risking it if he's the tying run.

[NDAlum]

Re: Ten Unwritten Rules Of Baseball

Excessive pick offs when up by 5 runs.

I was at bat and we had a slow runner on 1st with a small lead. Their pitcher picked 4 times in a row. I even said to the catcher "you need to tell this kid how to play the game". I then hit a double off the fence lol.

He's a d-bag anyways so it didn't surprise me too much.

I love the unwritten rules of baseball. I just love the game, period.