MLB is planning to once again crack down on the use of foreign substances in 2022. Pitchers have been utilizing what is commonly referred to as “sticky stuff” for many years, but the league finally attempted to eliminate it’s usage from the game last season when they routinely had umpires checking pitchers for any kind of foreign substance. The checks were performed at least once per pitcher and occurred following the third out of an inning. These sticky substances can include but are not limited to Spider Tack and pine tar.
But it was reported that some pitchers began finding loopholes around the routine umpire checks and began using sticky stuff late in 2021.
So will the checkups be the same as they were last year?
Not exactly. Last season, umpires were limited to examining a pitcher’s glove, hat, and belt. But now MLB will ask them to inspect the pitcher’s hands and to make their checks come at random times during games. Pitchers can also be subject to discipline if they are caught attempting to cleanse their hands of any foreign substances.
The punishment for getting caught is an automatic ejection and suspension. Each suspension will grow in length the more times a pitcher breaks the rules.
It should be noted MLB still permits the use of rosin bags. Rosin bags are crucial for pitchers in enhancing grip and eliminating sweat.
The reaction to the aforementioned umpire checks was split last year. Some felt as if it appeared corny while others appreciated the effect it had on the game. Regardless of people’s opinions on the matter, it certainly did affect pitchers’ spin rates.
It will be interesting to see how this intense crackdown on sticky substances affects the MLB in 2022.
