Buck Showalter begs MLB to bring back banned substances to help pitchers

The New York Mets are not alone in their issues with being plunked by opposing pitchers. It’s a theme around MLB, as pitchers struggle to get a feel for the baseball.

The Mets were hit 11 times in their first seven games, and it’s gotten to the point where manager Buck Showalter feels the need to speak out.

Fair or not, MLB pitchers got used to using some form of sticky substance to get a better feel for the ball. It allows them to further control pitch movement, as well as velocity on certain pitches.

While ‘spider tack’ might be a little over the top, Showalter wants MLB to institute a universal sticky substance that pitchers can use. As of now, those substances are banned from the game.

“I think it’s a deeper seated problem with the grip of the baseball, because some of our guys are having the same issue,” Showalter said. “The pitchers took it too far with Spider Tack and made it a pitching advantage, and now I’m not so sure we haven’t gone too far the other way.”

Mets: Buck Showalter wants to bring back sticky substances

Showalter admitted that trying to grip a baseball early or late in the season in cold weather is tough. While some pitchers took matters too far, for the large part it was out of necessity.

“Believe me, I’m not going to sit and say woe is me, but trying to grip a baseball rubbed with mud in April or October when it’s cold…it’s real slick, and the rosin just doesn’t do as much as you think,” he said. “What pitchers had before was on the fingertips – being on the hand doesn’t help you – but I’m in favor of a universal pitching rag behind the mound that all pitchers can use, so it’s the same.”

The Mets manager claimed his team would not engage in some battle of unwritten rules, responding to opposing pitchers who continue to plunk them. Clearly, Showalter is of the mindset that it isn’t their fault.

“Does stupid fix stupid?” Buck asked bluntly. “As one of the leaders of our team, you have to have a grip on reality. It’s easy to show how tough you are, and then someone is in a pool of blood. It’s frustrating for us, but I’m certainly not going to penalize guys if it’s not intentional – but at the same time, if you wanna throw in there, don’t do it if you can’t control it.”

Fair enough. Showalter’s refreshing approach has him thinking of solutions, rather than adding to the problem.