Quote:
Originally Posted by indianadrew
does pine tar compromise the integrity of the game? what about a spitbal or vasaline ball? how about intentionally beaning another player in the head? i think there are alot of things that go on that compromise the integrity of the game.
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This is a total false equivalency. It's like comparing a misdemeanor to a felony, and concluding that they are both equally bad. Players have always tried to gain a physical or psychological advantage during games, so stealing signs, using pine tar, greaseballs, puffballs, etc. have been used by players.
The thing is, Gaylord Perry won 300 games because of a wicked slider and an even more wicked competitive fire, and he was never tossed from a game for using the spitter. He was dressed down a lot, but never caught in the act. Do you know why foreign substances were banned in the early 20th century? Because at the time, people were afraid it would be dangerous as doctored balls would be tougher to control and could hit someone in the head. Ironic that Perry never had trouble with control, and his spitters actually fell off a table into the dirt, nowhere near the head. Gaylord used his "weapon" as more of a pyschological ploy anyway, and didn't grease up very often.
Perry should be in the HOF because his transgressions were mild in comparison to his performance. As I wrote, a misdemeanor.
Rose should not be in the HOF because what he did off the field to stain the game, and himself, overshadows his on-field career. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it.