What Does Pine Tar Do For Baseball?

Pine tar has been used in baseball for generations, but what does it actually do? Check out this blog post to find out!

Introduction

Pine tar has been used in baseball for decades, but its use was brought into the spotlight in 1983 when George Brett of the Kansas City Royals used it on his bat during a game against the New York Yankees. Brett’s home run was initially ruled invalid because of pine tar on his bat, but after a heated argument and an overturned ruling, the home run was allowed to stand.

So, what does pine tar do for baseball? Pine tar can help a pitcher get a better grip on the ball, which can lead to more accurate pitches. It can also help a hitter get a better grip on the bat, which can lead to more power and more control. In either case, pine tar can give players an advantage over their opponents.

While its use is not against the rules of baseball, pine tar is typically considered to be unsportsmanlike. Players who use it are often accused of cheating, and pitchers who have been hit by pine tar-coated bats have been known to retaliate by throwing at the batter’s head.

What is pine tar?

Pine tar is a sticky, viscous substance produced by the high temperature burning of pine wood. It is typically used as a wood preservative or pesticide, but also has a number of other uses, including in baseball as a Grip Enhancer.

What are the benefits of pine tar for baseball players?

Pine tar can be beneficial for baseball players in a number of ways. It can help them get a better grip on the bat, which can lead to more accurate swings and more power. It can also help to protect their hands from blisters and other injuries. Some players also believe that pine tar can help them get a better feel for the ball, which can lead to improved batting average and more hits.

How do players use pine tar?

Pine tar is most commonly used by pitchers, who use it to get a better grip on the ball. The sticky substance can help a pitcher grip the ball better and throw it with more spin. This extra grip and spin can help a pitcher throw a fastball with more velocity, or make a curveball break more sharply.

Are there any drawbacks to using pine tar?

Just like with any other substance, there are a few potential drawbacks to using pine tar. For example, if you use too much pine tar, it can actually make your grip too sticky, which can in turn cause the ball to spin less. This can be especially problematic for pitchers who rely on spin to get their pitches over the plate. Additionally, pine tar can also make your hands sweat more, which can further reduce your grip on the ball.

Conclusion

The use of pine tar in baseball is a contested issue, with some believing that it gives pitchers an unfair advantage, while others argue that it is a harmless tradition. Until the rules are changed, pitchers will continue to use pine tar, and batters will have to deal with the sticky situation.