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Fernando Tatis Jr. vs Unwritten Rules of Baseball
(3:15)
During the Padres-Rangers game on Monday night (goal scoring), San Diego shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr hit a grand slam. In the eighth inning, Tatis came on the plate to face Juan Nicasio with the bases loaded and took a 3-0 pitch over the right field wall at Globe Life Field. This set the Padres up 14-3.
At the score 3-0, Padres manager Jayce Tingler said he gave Tatis the sign to take the field and not swing. “It’s a learning opportunity … he’s going to grow out of it,” Tingler said after the game. Rangers manager Chris Woodward expressed contempt for Tatis’ home team, claiming it “challenges the unwritten rules in today’s game.” Tingler worked under Woodward last year, so there is an added layer to her reactions.
Tatis’ grand slam and comments on the postgame of both managers have – unfortunately – rekindled a useless debate over ‘unwritten rules’ of baseball. We have received feedback from both current and former players on the issue for your readers.
Reds lefty Amir Garrett did not dismiss the idea of unwritten rules in 2020.
Hall of Famer Johnny Bench thinks everyone should swim at a 3-0 count.
Dynamic White Sox superstar Tim Anderson questioned why Tingler did not support his player, adding that the game was not over yet.
Tatis’ grand slam earned the respect of pitchers such as Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez and Reds referee Trevor Bauer.
Right-hander Collin McHugh was pretty straightforward with his point of view.
Just the talk of “unwritten rules” in baseball left Twins right-hander Trevor May completely flabbergasted.
Retired MLB striker Trevor Plouffe is also defending Tatis, protesting that the ‘unwritten rules’ in his words are ‘stupid’.
Former Mets player Ty Kelly reminded us all that there are bigger priorities than debating swinging on a 3-0 pitch.
Mr. October himself, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, expressed his support for Tatis and the energy he brings to the game.
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo proved the 3-0 no swing “rule” is a contradiction in itself.
Before Tuesday’s game, Padres manager Jayce Tingler reflected on Monday’s events, including running back on his “learnable moment” comments. Tingler said he was referring to the concept of lifting boards, not unwritten rules.
Tingler also said this from his 3-0 take sign:
Former MLB third baseman and CBS Sports HQ’s Will Middlebrooks gave his reasoning why he’s hiding with Tatis.
Cardinal’s right-hander, Jack Flaherty, broke down Tatis’ at-bat in simple terms.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton advocates for baseball players to have fun, especially in this less-than-2020 season.
“It’s a fun game. I think we should encourage kids to have fun and enjoy the game,” Shelton said. MLB Network Radio Tuesday. “I think we should let kids play. The unwritten rules of the game have passed. There is respect … but when it comes to letting boys play, I think you should let them do that.”
