Pitchers have used pine tar for decades, though most players are smart enough to be discreet about the well-known practice. Several questions arise from Wednesday night’s embarrassment at Fenway Park, but one thing is clear — Michael Pineda won’t be the last pitcher to use pine tar. Here’s a quick guide to this sticky situation:
What is the advantage of using pine tar?
Though pine tar is more associated with hitters applying the goop to their bats (see: Brett, George), pitchers have long used it to improve their grip in cold weather. It is unclear if any other advantage is gained from a pitcher using pine tar, but the application of any foreign substance to a ball is prohibited, largely due to the on-field death of Ray Chapman, who was hit in the head by a spitball in 1920.
What other substances are used for grip?
There is the age-old spitball, which can use saliva, vaseline or lube, changing the weight of the ball and its resistance to wind, causing the ball to move in an unusual manner, like a knuckleball with fastball velocity. Pitchers also have used Firm Grip (a rosin-based spray), shaving cream and sunscreen to improve their feel for the ball.
Where can a pitcher hide the substances (besides their neck)?
Gaylord Perry used to put vaseline on his zipper. A pitcher using pine tar could wear a black glove and keep a supply on there. Other popular places for a pitcher to discreetly place a foreign substance are on his belt, under his shirt or in his hair.