Baseball's Unwritten Rules: What Players Can Carry While Baserunning in MLB

While Major League Baseball (MLB) has specific rules regarding everything from player conduct to the equipment used on the field, one area that often escapes stringent regulation is what players can carry in their pockets while baserunning. This article explores the freedom that players have and the stories and legends surrounding this peculiar aspect of the game.

Tim Raines: The Era of Cocaine and Back Pocket Vials

Baseball is filled with legendary tales and characters, and one of the most infamous is Tim Raines, a Hall of Famer who played for the Montreal Expos during the pre-drug testing era. Known for his remarkable baserunning skills, Raines was notorious for carrying illegal substances, including cocaine.

Raines was so concerned about the possibility of being caught with illegal drugs that he kept his stash in a vial sewn into his back pocket. This practice allowed him to evade suspicion during games, ensuring that he could keep operating at peak efficiency on the bases. His precise and daring sliding technique, often ending with a head-first slide into home plate, became legendary in his own right, reflecting his confidence and meticulous preparation.

Pocket Controversies and Incidents

Though Raines' actions were particularly egregious, they were not the only notable cases involving unusual items in players' pockets. For instance, pitchers like Joe Niekro have been known to carry unconventional items, such as an emery board, which might have had practical purposes but also crossed into the realm of the bizarre. While the motivations behind such behaviors are often mysterious, some speculate that they stem from superstition.

MLB Rules and Controversy

According to the official rulebook, MLB Rule 3.03 describes the uniforms but makes no specific mention of the contents of pocket spaces. This oversight leaves a significant gap in the regulation framework. Any violations of possession of illegal or contraband items typically occur "after the fact." For example, if a player were found with a gambling ledger in their pocket after a slide, it would be too late to impose penalties.

One can imagine a curious twist in a mystery novel where a player like Nicky Berg is accused of smuggling trade secrets in his back pocket. The "drop" point is a fan in the third-row seating area, and the player plans to autograph trade secrets at the 3rd base box seats after the game. However, such a scenario raises questions about what kind of trade secrets a baseball player might be interested in and how such items could be relevant to the game.

Legal Considerations and Professionalism

In terms of legal considerations, the uniform pockets in MLB are likely to be scrutinized for items that could pose safety risks or weapons. For instance, a gun would be strictly forbidden due to the severe implications it could have on the game and the players. The umpires and league officials would have no tolerance for such behavior, considering it to be both unsportsmanlike and dangerous.

Players typically aim to minimize the weight they carry to maintain the agility and speed necessary for effective baserunning. Once a player reaches base, they often remove any unnecessary gear from their uniform to maintain this balance. This is not just a matter of convenience but a strategic move that could be the difference between success and failure on the bases.

Conclusion

While there are no explicit rules governing what players can carry in their pockets while baserunning, the tacit understanding that certain items might compromise the integrity of the game or endanger players keeps many players from bringing suspicious items onto the field. As history shows, the choices that players make in this regard can have far-reaching consequences, both practical and symbolic, in the sport of baseball.