The Unwritten Baseball Rules That All Players Follow

If you're a huge baseball fan, you might consider yourself a bit of an expert on the rules. However, not everything that new fans need to know is written down in the rulebook. 

All die-hard MLB fans appreciate that there is etiquette in MLB that all players abide by - even if they're not official rules. But if you're not familiar with the game, it can be challenging to know what's considered to be a baseball faux pas, so we've compiled a guide to help you out.

If you've ever been hit by a baseball, you'll know that it stings - more than a little bit! Although professional MLB players are adept at catching and throwing the ball, there are times when they get caught unawares, especially if they're on the end of a pitch. 

The natural reaction is to rub, grab or hold the body part that's hurting to make it feel better - but you won't see any baseball players doing that. Showing physical pain is a significant mistake, so these guys tough it out…no matter how much it hurt!

In most other sports, the winning team carries on pushing as hard as they can for the duration of the game, regardless of how far ahead they might be. That's not always the case in MLB, as it's viewed as unsporting to acquire a lead that's too great. 

If your team is 6-0 or more ahead, and the pitcher throws three balls to go 3-0, it's bad form for your hitter to try and strike the next pitch. The chances are that the pitcher is going to throw it straight down the middle, making it an easy hit, but your own teammates might turn on you if you hit a home run. 

It’s a rule that’s become extremely controversial due to some high-profile instances, but most coaches and players in the game insist that this rule cannot be broken.

Every pitcher dreams of throwing a no-hitter, but it's a tough goal to achieve, no matter how good you are. Many pitchers can go a lifetime and never throw a no-hitter, so it's not surprising that many are nervous about screwing things up. 

If a pitcher is partway through a game that is looking as if it could be a no-hitter, no other player must mention the fact to them. Pitchers may even opt to sit in the dugout on their own to prevent other players from hinting at their performance and jinxing their next throw.

Speaking of no-hitters, the opponents must also be aware of a pitcher who's heading for a no-hitter and give them respect. Bunting is fine at the start of a game, but in the later innings, there's an unspoken consensus that any hit must be "proper" and not just a bunt to ruin the perfect pitching game.