I think they allow you to wet your fingers for better grip. But some people might take advantage.

8.02
The pitcher shall not --
(a) (1) Bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or lips while in the 18 foot circle surrounding the pitching rubber. EXCEPTION: Provided it is agreed to by both managers, the umpire prior to the start of a game played in cold weather, may permit the pitcher to blow on his hand.
PENALTY: For violation of this part of this rule the umpires shall immediately call a ball. However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a hit batsman or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. Repeated offenders shall be subject to a fine by the league president.
(2) expectorate on the ball, either hand or his glove;
(3) rub the ball on his glove, person or clothing;
(4) apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball;
(5) deface the ball in any manner; or
(6) deliver a ball altered in a manner prescribed by Rule 8.02(a)(2) through (5) or what is called the “shine” ball, “spit” ball, “mud” ball or “emery” ball. The pitcher is allowed to rub the ball between his bare hands.

YES!!! I have an illegal spitball! Now I'm regretting selling my Burleigh Grimes autograph.

Thanks Mike - also looking forward to strategizing how to get Felix and Trout to sign our balls.

That sounds a bit creepy Scott:p

Just FYI if you're thinking about taking a trip to see the M's in spring training Felix was a great signer this year. He stopped and signed for a group of maybe 35 to 50 of us after practice while I was there.

Here's something that I don't really collect, but when I see something interesting that I've never seen before, I figure it's a good idea to pick it up.
This is from the Brown & Bigelow Company that made the iconic cards and calendars with old ballplayers looking down at kids from the clouds.
It's meant to sit on your desk -- and has a calendar book on top attached to a box for holding either stationery or perhaps the playing cards themselves. The classic drawing of Babe Ruth is on the top of the piece.
I think it's really cool, and as I said -- I've never seen another.

Greg
www.baseballbasement.com

…...

… don't want to single-handedly crush the pick-ups thread :)

I feel very fortunate to add this rare gem to my Orioles collection.

Yeah, its in rough shape, 1935 but wanna read it before selling it. Got it Cheap too. I just love hunting for stuff, think what I can do when Im working...ha and smh both:rolleyes::D

D&M catcher's mask
 

Picked this nice condition D&M catcher's mask at the Shriner's Auditorium show outside of Boston today.


Patrick