Baseball Without Unwritten Rules: Summer Camp 2020
It’s easier to have fun when you aren’t worried about a 95+ MPH fastball smashing into your rib cage. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, and the results of freedom fromMLB’s unwritten ruleshave been on full display in the past week.
As “summer camps” get into full swing, baseball fans have been treated to clips of intrasquad scrimmages taking place below the cavernous shadows of empty stadiums. While crowd noise pulses out of speakers instead of mouths, hitters take at-bats against teammates, companions, and friends. With comfort levels high, the personalities of individual players have had a chance to shine. This has resulted in multiple viral clips in the past few days.
Does anyone have more fun playing baseball than Francisco Lindor?pic.twitter.com/agGpblWzdo— Cleveland Indians (@Indians)July 11, 2020
Does anyone have more fun playing baseball than Francisco Lindor?pic.twitter.com/agGpblWzdo
Seeing Francisco Lindor somersault/flip/barrel roll onto home plate after crushing a home run off Mike Clevinger (who had a big smile on his face the whole time) brings baseball back to its childhood roots.
Most of us fans grew up playing Wiffle ball with neighbors, messing around after practice with teammates, and imagining ourselves unleashing colossal bat flips in the big leagues. “Summer camp” has shown the world that MLB players are just like us, besides the whole being good at baseball thing. They want to break free and have some fun playing a game they love.
In short, these clips demonstrate what the game could be if the plaque buildup from decades of staunch traditionalism was scrubbed away. Players would finally be free to celebrate without fear of retribution or putting teammates in danger. In this way, the unwritten rules have suppressed individualism and expression for far too long.
Here’s@Greene21Riley’s submission for Catch of the Year.pic.twitter.com/iYuwToEQFv— Detroit Tigers (@tigers)July 13, 2020
Here’s@Greene21Riley’s submission for Catch of the Year.pic.twitter.com/iYuwToEQFv
Obviously, there is a difference in focus and mood when comparing intrasquad matches to games that count. Francisco Lindor wouldn’t ever cross home plate like that in a real game, but it would be undeniably awesome if he did. If somersaults won’t make the cut, can we at least normalize bat flips?
Based on social media interactions, moments like this resonate with team fan bases much more than a player respectfully lowering their head and lifelessly jogging around the bases. Hopefully, in this time of momentous change the energy emulating out of “summer camps” across the league will make its way into the regular season.
Always want to end practice on a high note.#RedsReturn|#TakeTheCentralpic.twitter.com/rHBje8J8fJ— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds)July 6, 2020
Always want to end practice on a high note.#RedsReturn|#TakeTheCentralpic.twitter.com/rHBje8J8fJ
Without fan reactions and the emotional indicators and investment they provide, (no,pre-recorded fan audioandcardboard cutoutsdon’t count) players will need to pick up the slack. The at-home audience wants to feel the intensity emanating from the ballpark, and the home crowd has long served as that indirect conduit. A late-inning game-tying double isn’t going to get me jumping up and down in front of my TV if that night’s clutch performer strolls into second with a single clap as the camera pans up to 40,000 empty seats.
For this reason, we need guys doing creative dances, we need home runs being pimped, and we need dugouts emptying onto the field during big moments (while players maintain six feet apart). So far,Ozzie Albies and Ron Washington have already developed a foot-five celebration at third base. This isn’t just for hitters and the batting team, as clutch strikeouts and web gems deserve the same treatment. Little things that show player personality and drive will keep the games lively in the absence of spectators.
At camp, the use of new technology such as catcher and umpire cameras has successfully brought fans closer to the action in a time of social distancing. If the league is smart, they will incorporate these fan favorite angles and the additional access they provide into the regular season.
Another day, another awesome catcher cam. 😍pic.twitter.com/98pLQv0nNJ— MLB (@MLB)July 12, 2020
Another day, another awesome catcher cam. 😍pic.twitter.com/98pLQv0nNJ
Plus, a 60 game season gives players the perfect excuse for rejecting the unwritten rules. As I said last week, this is a sprint unlike anything baseball has ever seen. Every pitch, out, inning, and game is 2.7x more impactful than in a regular season. We’re jumping straight into the August and September playoff hunt and all the races are tied. Thereshouldbe more emotion because it all matters more.
Jesse Winker hit a bomb off Sonny Gray and then cut a wrestling promo on his own Opening Day starter around the bases. I wish this happened after every homer.pic.twitter.com/QJs0qPyyjy— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis)July 10, 2020
Jesse Winker hit a bomb off Sonny Gray and then cut a wrestling promo on his own Opening Day starter around the bases. I wish this happened after every homer.pic.twitter.com/QJs0qPyyjy
In a year of radical change, why not make one more? There’s room in the 2020 trash bin next tothe pitcher hitting and a balanced extra innings formatfor an imaginary rule book than has grown ever so fat. MLB should embrace the chaos of a 60-game season and encourage players to exhibitthe same flair that was present in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
If the good vibes coming from “summer camps” around the league can manifest into on-the-field displays in the regular season, 2020 will be enthralling. Instead of responding with bean balls and fist fights, opposing teams shouldtake a page from Juan Sotoand counter with celebrations of their own.
Let’s make this season a little more Andrew McCutchen, and a lot lessGoose Gossage.
.@TheCUTCH22is forever a mood.pic.twitter.com/SKem4MidOa— Cut4 (@Cut4)July 9, 2020
.@TheCUTCH22is forever a mood.pic.twitter.com/SKem4MidOa