Quote:
Originally Posted by ptlyon
On the handle is fine, but if you approach the barrel if the ball contacts it, it can have affect on the ball. Giving you an advantage.
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It doesn't affect the ball being hit. In fact, that conclusion was why MacPhail overruled the umpires. The rule was put in in the old days to prevent balls from being discolored and having to be thrown out.
Now, you could argue that if you keep the pine tar-smeared ball in play, a pitcher could gain an advantage by throwing it.