While the use of tacky stuff was generally tolerated, products like Spider Tack are so tacky that it’s actually cheating. When New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole was asked if he’s ever used Spider Tack, he gave a vague answer. “I’m not really sure how to answer that. There are traditions and customs that are passed from player to player, including things that don’t fit within the boundaries.”
After that interview, Cole suddenly pitched with much less effect, suggesting he didn’t use banned substances afterward. According to Cole, this had nothing to do with it. But the discussion about sticky stuff has therefore reopened.
The association announced at the beginning of the season that it would no longer tolerate the sticky remedies, but in practice nothing has been done with it. Until now. Last week, the union announced that they will really enforce the rule from June 21, now that a clear effect of the super sticky stuff can be seen.
Periodic checks
Referees will periodically check pitchers from both teams, mainly between innings or after players come off the field, but if the umpires think they notice anything suspicious, they may check immediately. If a player is caught using tacky drugs, he will be sent off immediately and suspended for 10 games.
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