"If they call me out, you're going to see four dead umpires.'"

[Rain Man]

So in summary, pine tar discolors the ball, can give the pitcher an advantage, or can give the batter an advantage, but maybe not. And without the rule in place, nothing changed.

This sounds like a case of baseball government intruding too far into the private lives of pitchers and batters.

[jaa1025]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

So in summary, pine tar discolors the ball, can give the pitcher an advantage, or can give the batter an advantage, but maybe not. And without the rule in place, nothing changed.

This sounds like a case of baseball government intruding too far into the private lives of pitchers and batters.

Has nothing or little to do with the color of the ball. Pine tar gives the pitcher an ability to make the ball do some pretty nasty things. It's not as prevelent now but pitchers would sneak that stuff anywhere on their body/glove so they can get a little on their fingers before pitches.