I have heard about it on bats but what does it do?
Can you folks explain to me what the tar does to the ball.
I have heard about it on bats but what does it do?
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Spit balls were made illegal in the 1920's I believe. When foreign substances are put on the ball (dirt, spit, grease, gum, etc), the ball starts to move in very weird ways, very unpredictable. Scuffing the ball in any fashion also creates weird movement and improves grip and is also illegal.
Pine tar in this instance was used to improve the grip on the ball, esp in the cold. With pine tar, a curve ball is more extreme, a breaking ball breaks harder, slider more movement, etc. It allows the pitcher a huge advantage. It really does little for a fastball, but Rogers the Cheat is not a fastball pitcher.