I watch little baseball these days, but have been watching the playoffs a bit

[rurallib]

What is with the umpire checking pitchers when they get knocked out of the game? I see the Tampa pitcher getting his hat and glove checked as he walked off.

If he was juicing the ball he wouldn't get knocked out - or he is really bad at it.

Do they check them any other times during the game?

Saw some other pitcher getting checked after he was lifted the other night - can't remember when.

[Mr.Bill]

1. It's a new rule this year.

I think they can check them anytime they want to, but they mostly do it at the end of the game or when a pitcher is leaving the game. I don't think they have found much, but I don't watch all the games so I'm not sure. Once I saw them take the glove away and put it in a plastic bag like it was crime scene evidence.

[rurallib]

2. I heard there was some kind of super resin. Is that what they are checking for?

There has been so much cheating in baseball from the beginning, I have maintained the players should get to use whatever they want, they should just have to tell the umps and the other team an hour or so before the game.

"Billy Bob took two reds and a greenie at 2PM for today's game"

[Mr.Bill]

3. They are checking for any substances or objects

that are not allowed, which means pretty much any substance or object.

[rurallib]

4. thanks for your patience

[Mr.Bill]

5. It was my pleasure.

[rsdsharp]

6. Yes, it has to do with sticky substances. It's not just rosin and sweat.

Or pine tar. There are substances that are so sticky they will actually allow you to pick up a ball without gripping it. It allows more friction and much higher spin rates and breaks. Spin rates are sometimes in excess of 3000 rpm.

They check everybody, often multiple times per game. I’ve seen them check reserve infielders who are pitching late in blow out games to just to save the bullpen. The guy is throwing 55 mph, and couldn’t throw a breaking ball to save his life, but they want his glove, cap and belt.