Miscellaneous Parts of the Game

Baseball has many different plays and concepts that make the game more difficult to play. Some of these plays have great advantages that can help win a game.

One part of the game that some people might think is crazy is getting intentionally hit by a pitch. To let a baseball that is coming at you at around 80 mph hit a part of your body is one of the most boldest things to do in all of sports. I personally will sometimes try to avoid getting hit. Some spots to get hit hurt much more than others. The upper back and the elbow tend to hurt the most while the thigh and the helmet don't hurt as much.

Another part of the game that is only used in certain situations is the intentional walk. According to my book Splitters, Squeezes, and Steals back then, "The strategy of walking a player intentionally, however, was not a common one, as many pitchers were reluctant to grant a 'free' pass to a player" (Gentile 174). Nowadays this is used in many situations. It is primarily used when a very strong hitter is up to the plate in a game changing situation.

There has been much controversy over the past few decades over steroids in the MLB. My book states that, "Certain steroids must be injected, while others are ingested" (Gentile 193). Either way will end up getting you in big trouble as there are often drug tests in the MLB. Steroids have taken away fantastic careers. Some of the more famous steroid users are Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez. Because of their steroid use they likely won't get into the Hall of Fame.

Q: Do you think that steroid users should get into the Hall of Fame?
Citation: Gentile, Derek. Splitters, Squeezes, and Steals: The inside Story of Baseball's Greatest Techniques, Strategies, and Plays. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal, 2009. Print.