Phillies

Reminder that the “Unwritten Rules” of Baseball Absolutely Stink

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Aug 18th, 2020 · 9:55 AM EDT

---

Fernando Tatis Jr.

Awesome player. 21 years old. Would love to see somebody like him wearing a Philadelphia Phillies uniform.

Lots of talk this morning about a grand slam he hit last night, during a 3-0 count when the Padres were winning 10-3 in the top of the eighth.

Here’s the video for your viewing pleasure:

Fernando Tatis Jr. smacked a grand slam on a 3-0 count with a big lead, leading to criticism from both managers.

What do you think about this unwritten rule in baseball?

🎥 @MLB #PadresTwitterpic.twitter.com/55rX1bL4Qm

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) August 18, 2020

So apparently he missed a take sign and swung instead, which bothered his manager, Jayce Tingler, who called it a “learning opportunity.” It also bothered Rangers players, and Manny Machado, who batted after Tatis, watched a fastball go right behind him in extremely predictable and corny fashion, because the players have to “take matters into their own hands” or whatever. That’s fine if you’re Joe Kelly throwing at the cheating Astros, but this situation ain’t it.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward was also annoyed, saying this after the game:

Rangers manager Chris Woodward on Fernando Tatis Jr. swinging 3-0 on his grand slam: "I didn't like it personally. You're up by 7 in the 8th inning, it's typically not a good time 3-0. It's kind of the way we were all raised in the game. But … the norms are being challenged."

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) August 18, 2020

Here’s your annual reminder that the unwritten rules of baseball stink. Nobody under the age of 30 gives a flying fuck how you were “raised in the game;” they want to see a rising star hit dingers. If you don’t like a dude swinging at a 3-0 meatball while up by seven runs, then don’t let the game get to that point in the first place.

We’ve had this discussion a thousand times before in every sport. The Saints throwing on 4th and six in the fourth quarter with a 31 point lead. Dario Saric deciding to dunk the ball with 12 seconds remaining instead of running out the clock, which had to be corrected by teammates after Jordan Clarkson chucked a ball at him. James Franklin icing Georgia State’s kicker while winning 56-0.

Here’s Bob’s take on the matter:

“Getting mad at Tatis for hacking at a 3-0 pitch in this spot is weak. So weak.

Suggestions for the Rangers and those offended by…a hitter…hitting a baseball: Don’t get pantsed leading up to that inning. Don’t load the bases. Don’t fall behind 3-0. Don’t throw a cupcake to one of the game’s most dynamic players. And don’t – and this one is important – get upset when he pisses all over it.”

Agreed. It’s one thing to be upset about a dirty play or cheap shot, but the pearl clutching over “unwritten rules” based on the outdated “sanctity of the game” or whatever other hogwash we’re peddling is completely tone deaf in 2020. If you don’t like it, don’t put yourself in a position to be embarrassed.