It's not cheating if you don't get caught.
Of course, foreign substance usage has become prevalent because of its performance-enhancing effects. Using a tacky substance to improve one’s grip on the ball correlates with increases in spin rate and accompanying pitch movements.
Last week, umpire Joe West confiscated the hat of Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos as he entered the game, after making the determination that an illegal substance had been applied to the brim. Gallegos was not ejected, but Cardinals manager Mike Shildt was thrown out after voicing his displeasure.
Of course, foreign substance usage has become prevalent because of its performance-enhancing effects. Using a tacky substance to improve one’s grip on the ball correlates with increases in spin rate and accompanying pitch movements.
Last week, umpire Joe West confiscated the hat of Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos as he entered the game, after making the determination that an illegal substance had been applied to the brim. Gallegos was not ejected, but Cardinals manager Mike Shildt was thrown out after voicing his displeasure.