It’s Time to Forget Baseball’s Unwritten Rules

Every major sport is infamous for something. Soccer (or futbol) is known for its players dramatically diving. Hockey is known for its rambunctious fights and physicality. American Football has its fair share of grit. “America’s Pastime” is associated with baseball, a sport that’s been in syndication for over a century and is still alive and well in a bubble, despite current events. Unfortunately, it’s still stuck in its old ways, based on what occurred in a San Diego Padres/Texas Rangers game this week.

Up 10 runs to 3, young star Fernando Tatís Jr. was at-bat with the bases loaded, on the verge of surpassing Mike Trout for the most home runs this season so far. Tatís Jr. took three balls and then swung for the fences on an undoubted strike throw. Securing the grand slam, he emphatically ran the bases and celebrated his achievement with his teammates. Once he reached the dugout, his smile turned into a frown when his friends told him what he had just done was wrong.

This is where the game of baseball can really draw some ire. There are “unwritten rules” that players are not supposed to break. This includes things like “The Mercy Rule” where, during a blowout, players are encouraged to lighten up and not try as hard, which is what the Padres communicated to Tatís Jr. after his home run. These “unwritten rules” are usually known amongst players and are in place for “common courtesy.”

So, Tatís Jr. was supposed to take the sure strike in this 3-0 situation. Why? Why is Tatís Jr. supposed to not do his job, especially when he’s so good at it? It’s insulting to the player’s ability to go easy on a team that isn’t performing up to the standards of the other. Leading players to not try their best at every given opportunity is harmful to their output, especially when it’s a bright young prospect such as Tatís Jr.

The aftermath of Tatís Jr. swinging left him apologizing during the post-game press conference, instead of celebrating a gigantic landmark. It’s high time that the sport gets out of being stuck in its ways and instead of putting down what is sure to be a superstar, encourage these players to give 100% effort in every at-bat and base run. In addition, the Rangers’ next pitch was behind the back of Manny Machado. Intentional hit-by-pitches are disgusting and these malicious attacks need to go as well.

The MLB has persisted since the early 20th Century, but it seems like some things never change. One may say the sport has a “rich history” full of “traditions,” but I think it’s pretty pitiful that some of the best athletes have to tone it down just for sportsmanship’s sake when their abilities should never have to suffer. The debate around this circumstance is gaining a lot of traction, with several vocal supporters of Tatís Jr.’s swing, so it’s evident that people want to see players succeed in spite of what some people think is “right” or “wrong.” Here’s hoping we see more 3-0 swings and less throwing at batters going forward.