Since we talk the Culture of the Game and the Unwritten Rules of Baseball all the time, here is a pretty good starter set for those who are newer to the game or have never played. Trust me when I say, if you have sat in enough dugouts these do's and don'ts become ingrained in your membranes.
Some of them are evolving and changing as the game changes. The A's-Astros "bunting against the IF shift" might be a recent addendum to the Do and Don't bunt situational protocol.
If you can think of some others that have caused controversy or conversation, feel free to post an addendum. Umpires really have to be on top of these customs and mores in order to keep the peace.
from theoleballgame.com:
- Don't embarrass yourself, your teammates or your opponents.
- Never show up an umpire on balls and strikes, as a coach, pitcher or hitter.
- Never steal a base, or bunt, when leading by a bunch of runs. You have to get a feel for the game, and know when enough is enough. Best philosophy ~ You don't stop competing; but you do stop manufacturing runs.
- Never show up an opponent with a home run trot. Get out of the box, get around the bases and get back in the dugout.
- Flipping the bat, watching the ball or taking a long time getting around the bases are all considered disrespecting your opponent.
- Never swing at a 3-0 pitch when your team has a comfortable lead.
- Never, as a batter, peek at a catcher's signals or position, from the batter's box.
- Keep victory celebrations under control (ACT LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN THERE BEFORE.)
- Respect of the game.
- Respect for the history of the game.
- Respect of your opponents.
- Players sacrificing personal glory, for the good of the team.
The Right Way To Do Things
At The End Of The Day, With Baseballs' Unwritten Rules, They All Point To One Word.
~ RESPECT ~
Baseballs' Unwritten Rules
Here we have the core of what keeps baseball civil, baseballs' unwritten rules. Some of the rules here are old baseball axioms on the right way to play the game. A lack of knowledge with them will detract from your game, but not create on field conflict. Others, however, will immediately evoke a negative response.
While these rules are not written down in a rule book, players at all levels are expected to know "the right way to do things". It is that failure to do things the
right way that emmanently leads to on field conflict, a problem seen with ever increasing frequency with each passing year.
Coaches of amateur and youth baseball teams have a responsibility to know, and teach, unwritten rules to their players.
There are intangibles that coaches can instill in their players. Honesty, pride, work ethic, discipline, winning and losing with dignity, never give up attitude, teamwork and respect for other individuals, to name a few.
When that player leaves you and moves forward, even if he never plays baseball again, he does have to interact with other human beings the rest of his life.
In a game in which fewer than 1% of all baseball players reach the major leagues, and approximately only 7% play in college, what is it you will have given them when their season is finished and their baseball careers are over?
When they put away the bats and balls for the last time, you will have left them with a foundation of values to build upon in all aspects for the rest of their lives. Therein lies the true legacy of baseball and coaching!
OLD BASEBALL AXIOMS
- Never make the first or third out of an inning at third base.
- Always run out ground balls, even routine ones.
- Hustle on and off the field.
- Never lose track of the count, or the number of outs.
- Never mention a "no hitter" when a pitcher has one working.
- Never put team or personal gear away until the last out is recorded and the game is officially over.
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