Cheating in baseball questions

[Stickman]

Can somebody explain to me what exactly pitchers do to cheat and how it affects anything? Is pine tar really going to make a difference in how fast you can throw a ball? I just don't get it. Also, how much of a difference does a corked bat make, it seems to me like it'd be detrimental to cork one.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Here's a good article about illegal pitches.

http://www.slate.com/id/2152037

[FakeLaser]

Putting stuff on the ball alters the grip or changes the way it spins, hence changes the movement of the ball.

[Stickman]

Here's a good article about illegal pitches.

http://www.slate.com/id/2152037

Interesting read but do those cheats actually make a difference or is it kind of urban legend?

[FakeLaser]

They do make a difference, definitely.

[OssMan]

it makes a difference you might not be able to notice it as a viewer (although sometimes you can see it)but the hitter has to be able to follow every particle of dust that the ball runs into.

[FakeLaser]

Corking a bat makes it lighter and easier to swing, improving a hitters timing. It doesn't allow the ball to travel QUITE as far, though still almost as far, so it is a huge advantage because it improves contact rate.