3 'unwritten rules' in MLB that simply need to go away

3 ‘unwritten rules’ in MLB that simply need to go away

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 17: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a grand slam against the Texas Rangers in the top of the eighth inning at Globe Life Field on August 17, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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MLB has a few unofficial rules that need to go.

The concept of “unwritten rules” returned to the forefront of MLB on Monday after Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam off a 3-0 count. The young San Diego Padres star angered the Texas Rangers all because of a fake rule.

Tatis did his job, and it is not his fault the Rangers didn’t play better. This moment brings up other “unwritten rules” in baseball that have no place in 2020. The league faces a popularity issue if fun and excitement are looked down upon.

A few of the most annoying “rules” stand out as those that must go.

3. Not stealing a base when ahead by several runs

The whole point of any offense should be to score as many runs as possible. Stealing bases to get into scoring-position is part of that.

However, stealing a base late in a game with a four or five-run lead may have the losing team getting frustrated about this particular silly rule. Leads vanish in an instant in baseball, and a runner should always steal if the defense is giving him the base without much resistance.

This is professional baseball we are talking about — the highest level one can reach in the game. Teams should not be given a free pass to take it easy on defense after falling behind in a game.

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