October pickups

[bat_master]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Just received this baseball used in NLDS Game 2 - 18 inning game. It's a Tim Hudson strikeout pitch to Denard Span. The MLB TV replay shows Hudson spitting in his hand and then rubbing the ball up. How did he get away with that?

Scott <== Tim Hudson saliva owner

Are you sure he's spitting or could he just be blowing on his hand to warm up his fingers? October baseball...I believe the weather was in the mid to low 50s.

[packs]

Nice pick up. Tim Hudson is my favorite current player.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by bat_master

Are you sure he's spitting or could he just be blowing on his hand to warm up his fingers? October baseball...I believe the weather was in the mid to low 50s.

I think he's hocking a loogie...

[Runscott]

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

[packs]

I could be wrong but I think the rule is you can go to your mouth as long as you're not standing on the rubber.

[Runscott]

So, is the logic that during the one second it takes to turn and step back on the rubber, the spit dries up?

[Runscott]

It was a quick spit, but here it is. No way this can be mistaken for blowing air on his hands:

[packs]

I think they allow you to wet your fingers for better grip. But some people might take advantage.