why is it an unwritten rule in mlb that a pitcher must get even when a batter is beaned on his team?

Question

I was taught in little league that this was very unsportsmanlike.

Answer 1

It is very unsportsmenlike, but as one moves up the ladder of the game, the level of aggressiveness also increases. Pro baseball players don't get to the show by backing away from a challenge. Also, there's a lot more at stake. One serious injury could end a player's career. Many players and coaches believe they can prevent future injury by reciprocating the risk for some reason.

And let's not forget that there are generally higher levels of testosterone in top athletes. Combine this with a team concept, a macho atmosphere and an us-against-them mentality and you end up with people throwing really hard objects at each other.

Answer 2

Contrary to popular belief, the pitcher rarely takes this upon himself. He is told who and when by the manager. If a manager is worth his salt, he will protect his hitters if he feels an inside pitch is on purpose. All pitchers must pitch inside and the plate is their's to throw to. However, certain pitchers have reputations for throwing above the shoulders as an intimidation tactic. Most times this is an accident but it's much like saying, "Whoops! Sorry I hit you with my truck." Harm occurs even though unintentional (see Kirby Puckett). This puts careers in danger and if there isn't an immediate retaliation (which results in suspensions and fines), keep your eyes open later in the season when the 2 teams meet again. Often, a good manager will go player for player: Hit my Barry Bonds and I'll hit your Albert Pujols. Of course, by nature, this is less likely in the National League as the pitcher has to hit making himself a target if he throws a "purpose" pitch.

Keep in mind, however unsportsmanlike, that bean balls in little league sting a bit. Bean balls in the big leagues can cause permanent damage. It ain't 1965 anymore when Drysdale, Koulfax and Gibson used to lay guys out daily. Now you're dropping a $40 million investment. Getting hit is part of the game. Throwing at a guy's head is not.

Answer 3

It is so don't do it......

At a pro level they are supposed to be a little more in control of their pitches. "Getting even" is when a pitcher retaliates to inside pitching. The unwritten rule is that your pitcher is protecting his hitters by letting the other team know that they will throw the ball at their hitters as well - and then you bean their guy, they bean yours, you bean another back - then a hockey game breaks out.

But some of the more agressive hitters will get down on their own pitcher if he doesn't throw back at the other team and "Protect them"

Anymore umpires are so aware of it that they will send warnings to both bench's at the slightest hint of an inside pitch.

Answer 4

It's not an unwritten rule, but If the team, and especially manager find it in that way, then yes, you'll be seeing bean balls. If the pitchers control is horrible that day, you usually don't expect it to transform into anything.

Answer 5

A pitcher must stick up for his teammates. Remember Shawn Estes weak attempt at retaliation after Roger Clemens hit Mike Piazza? He was ostracized by the Mets after that and has not been the same.

Answer 6

A pitcher must help protect his players. An opposing pitcher will be less likely to throw at one of your players if you show that one of his teammates will in turn get hit.

Answer 7

you want your teammates to respect you. If you don't do it they will think you aren't a team player

Answer 8

Thats how MEN play HARDBALL,the game hasn't changed its the men that play it that has changed.

Answer 9

Fights are good for ratings.