Not all methods are created equal.
Some ways to cheat should stay away forever. Others are worth checking out again. We took a look at some known methods and considered the harm done to the sport and the shameless attempts by players who wanted to get ahead.
Spitball
How it works:
1) Saliva is applied to one side of a baseball, causing it to break sideways in the direction of the slobbery side.
2) With their fingers not on the seams, the pitcher used saliva to grease the ball before pinching it between their thumb and fingers. The ball was essentially squeezed out during the throw, giving it minimal spin and maximum drop.
Why it's illegal:
It's totally unsanitary and more importantly, super dangerous. The only fatality in MLB history occurred when Ray Chapman was struck in the side of the head by a spitball. This is why umpires regularly swap out dirty balls during the game.
Spitballers:
- There were a few players grandfathered in after the 1920 ban, including Burleigh Grimes and Urban Shocker.
-Gaylord Perry.
- Alex Sanabia of the Miami Marlins threw a blatant spitball in 2013.
- Clay Buchholz has been accused of the practice.
- Jose Valverde might have tossed one in 2012.
Should it be legal?
Lindsey: There's no reason to bring it back. There are a few pitches with similar advantages as the spitball.
Logan: For some reason, I'm okay with this. I guess it's because the pitchers are just using what they got, you know? Way to be resourceful, fellas.
Matt: The spitball is a lost art form, and the reason it's lost is because it's dangerous. You can't have a guy throwing 95 mph and having no idea where the ball in ending up.
Badass meter: 6.
APA / Getty Images
Stealing signs
How it works: Signals used by the opposing team are studied and deciphered.
Why it's illegal: It's not fully illegal. It's viewed as unsportsmanlike, but deciphering signals during gameplay is not in violation of the rules. Reviewing footage after the play is illegal.
Notable examples:
- "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" (1951): Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants hit a game-winning home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers, winning them the National League pennant. 50 years later, it was revealed that the Giants were watching and relaying catchers' signs, suggesting Thomson knew he would be facing a fastball.
- In 2010, it was suggested that Mick Billmeyer, then the bullpen coach for the Phillies, used binoculars to scope out the Rockies' bullpen.
Should it be legal?
Lindsey: We should ask Bill Belichick. Just kidding. Decoding signals from recordings is lame as hell and tells me your team can't win on their own abilities. I am, however, aggressively in support of figuring it out during gameplay, though that once went really poorly for Greg Maddux and Will Clark.
Logan: I am totally for this. If you can steal a sign and pass that info along before the play happens, that's just outsmarting and outplaying your opponent. It's not stealing if the information is available, yo. Come up with better signs or learn to hide them better.
Matt: Stealing signals by simply observing is part of the game. I have no problem with people in the dugout paying attention to coaches signs as long as there are no electronics involved. Although any hitter that peeks at a catcher's signs is a scumbag — firm rule.
Badass meter: 5.
FSN Rocky Mountain / AP Photo
Pine tar
How it works: Gives the pitcher a better grip/more control over the ball. It might actually benefit hitter safety.
Why it's illegal: Rule 8.02 from the Official Baseball Rules states a pitcher may not " apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball".
Pitchers who have been said to use pine tar:
- Michael Pineda, who might be the most courageous or idiotic cheater in recent history.
- Kenny Rogers of the Detroit Tigers.
- Craig Kimbrel of the Atlanta Braves.
Should it be legal?
Lindsey: Hell yes. Pine tar is legally used to control bats and it lowers the chances of a batter being hit by a pitch.
Logan: Eh, screw it. Pine tar for everyone!
Matt: Pitchers claim that "sometimes" they use pine tar to "get a better grip on the ball," but isn't that exactly what the rosin bag is for?
Badass meter: 8.
MLB / Via Twitter: @SBNationGIF