Pitchers peeved over MLB ‘sticky substance’ rule
Posted June 23, 2021 1:09 pm.
Last Updated June 23, 2021 1:15 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Major League Baseball is two days into the new rule, and it’s not going over well. As of June 21, MLB umpires were instructed to check pitchers and baseballs for sticky substances, which could help them get a better grip on the ball.
If such a substance is found, the pitcher is immediately ejected from the game and automatically suspended from 10 more. Umpires can make said inspections at any point in the game, regardless of whether the manager of the opposing team requests it.
The day after the rule was enforced, several games were stopped for the checks, and the pitchers have not been pleased. Hats were tossed. Belts and pants were removed.
Highlights from Major League Baseball now look like a series of comedy skits. In one of several instances, Oakland’s Sergio Romo threw his hat, glove, and belt, and pulled down his pants in front of the umpire — and the crowd.
The umps went to check Sergio Romo for foreign substances, and things got weird https://t.co/5zWyymJO77
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 23, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies Manager Joe Girardi made several requests for the umpires to inspect Washington Nationals pitcher (and future Hall of Famer) Max Scherzer.
Scherzer reaction has already gone viral, slamming his hat and glove down while motioning for the umpires to check him. He could be seen saying, “It’s sweat” after running his hands through his hair. He stared down Girardi after one of the multiple checks. Girardi reacted and was ejected from the game.
For the record, the Nationals beat the Phillies 3-2.
At least one organization seems to be in full support of the enforcement of the new rule, and subsequent reactions. CamSoda, an adult website, issued a $100,000 offer to the pitchers who, as they say, had “Magic Mike performances,” referring to the removing of their pants and belt.
…aaaaand so it goes https://t.co/z1YVYvmwia
— Caroline Frolic (@CarolineFrolic) June 23, 2021