Why is pine tar illegal in baseball?

What's the big deal?” you might be asking yourself right now. “Isn't pine tar traditionally used in baseball?” Allow us to explain. read more

The flight pattern of an unmodified baseball is predictable. Grip it in different ways (along the seams, across the seams, or with the knuckles) and the flight path of the ball is altered in a predictable manner. read more

TRUE, pine tar is not, in fact, illegal; it’s just illegal to use on the bat more than 18 inches from the knob. TRUE, pitchers are not allowed to use it to doctor the ball. But, what you haven’t addressed correctly is WHY pine tar is illegal above 18 inches from the knob. It isn’t to prevent pine tar from getting on the ball. read more

The umpires ruled that the amount of pine tar on the bat exceeded the amount allowed by rule, nullified Brett's home run, and called him out. As Brett was the third out in the ninth inning with the home team in the lead, the game ended with a Yankees win. read more