Why put pine tar on a baseball bat?

Question

This being the 25 anniversiry of George Brett's pine tar incident, why would pine tar on a baseball bat matter?

Answer 1

better grip on the bat

Answer 2

hey brenkelo...

is it so she can get a better grip on the tiny thing?

any way, pine is used for batters to get a better grip on thier bat so they dont go flying into the stands

Answer 3

Pine tar is a sticky substance used to give the batter better grip on the bat. The pine tar incident was because in the umpires opinion the pine tar was too far up from the handle of the bat. It's actually pretty stupid if you ask me. I don't see pine tar being too far up on the bat helping to hit the ball further. Due to it being sticky really it should hurt the flight of the ball and reduce spin giving the ball a knuckle effect but that would only be the case if the pine tar were on the barrel of the bat where you make contact. If you hit it where the pine tar was your hands are going to hurt and you are going to need a new bat. It was a misinterpretation of the rules and the game was later picked up after Brett's home run and the Royals won. It was a stupid trick by then Yankee manager Billy Martin to try to win a game the Yankees had lost the lead in.

Answer 4

Better grip. Also grips the baseball as well. This is what they accused George Brett of 25 years ago today at Yankee Stadium. One of the all time classic moments in baseball.

Answer 5

Just gives you a better grip.  Having it on the barrel of the bat wouldn't give you any advantage whatsoever, so the initial ruling on George Brett's home run was completely retarded.

Answer 6

Gives the batter a better grip.

Answer 7

1st dumbasses.. they put the tar on the top of the bat, so that when they hit it, it goes farther!! DERR... why do you think George Brett put it on?! Um... r****d...