Is the crackdown of the crackdown of sticky substances working? In a word, yes. But like spin rates themselves, there is more intrigue beneath the surface.
First, a refresher on the policing of spin. In May 2021, with the MLB batting average down to an all-time low of .236, the league announced a crackdown effective June 1 on pitchers using sticky substances as a performance enhancer to generate more spin. The use of Spider Tack and such gooey grip aids had grown so ridiculous that players could hear pitches ripping off the sticky fingers of pitchers, like Velcro. The crackdown worked immediately. The batting average in June rose to .246.
But over time pitchers learned how to work around what were mainly predictable, cursory checks by umpires. By the second half of last season, spin rates climbed again. MLB took note and announced for this season another crackdown, this one with more vigorous checks. That crackdown is working. It’s not because it led to the ejection and suspension of Mets pitcher Max Scherzer. It’s because four-seam spin rate this year is slightly below where it was last August and September.
