If you watch the scene on MLB tv, it really looks like he is spitting. I watched it several times, incredulous.
Bob - that is news to me (about getting the umpires permission). I can see blowing in your hands to keep them warm, but getting permission to spit in your hands and then rub the spit on the baseball? Isn't that all that is involved in creating the classic illegal spitball?
Don't get me wrong - I love owning a modern spitball
