@cursed- The intent is what is important. If Rivera did spit on the ball and has been a master of the “spit” ball his entire career, then people can scorn him all they want. But why is this the first evidence we’ve seen considering the length of his career?

Players (not just pitchers) openly spit on the ball or their hands

No, you cannot directly spit on the ball while on the field.

I’m confused, illformula.

But we’ll have to disagree about one thing: I see a major distinction between “wetting” and flatly spitting on a ball.

There are several rules in the rulebook that state penalities for delay of game? Are those ever followed?

No, you cannot directly spit on the ball while on the field. But it’s common practice in baseball to “wet” your hands or the ball for better grip, not to throw a “spit” ball.

/enough about spit

If you’re talking about rubbing down new balls prior to games,

you have to talk to my gf about rubbing down balls before showtime. i don’t know anything about it.

Because the expensive Delaware mud used to rub down baseballs prior to MLB games can’t be used in all levels of the game, spit and dirt are often used as substitutes. Players (not just pitchers) openly spit on the ball or their hands, then “rub” the leather to reduce the slippery feel the fresh leather naturally produces

If you’re talking about rubbing down new balls prior to games, I agree with you but players do not openly spit on the ball or their hands during the game.

The rule book in baseball is almost useless sometimes. For instance, the “check swing” is never clearly defined. Players, coaches, managers, etc all know this, but it never fails to get over hyped in the media.