Baseball Is A Touching Sport

An avid reader of this blog recently sent me a link to a New York Times article that she thought might make for a good post. The article, "Evidence That Little Touches Do Mean So Much" centered around various forms of non-verbal communication and the messages that they can convey.

The article cites numerous research studies from scientists at Berkeley, Cal, DePauw University in Indiana and even the Touch Research Institute (but of course) in Miami. These studies show that something as simple as a handshake or an arm around the shoulder can carry significant meaning and have a profound impact on the recipient of such gestures.

They even delved into the extremely touchy sport of basketball, where every free throw (made or missed) merits multiple fist bumps, high-fives and occasionally a flying chest-bump.

Like basketball, the sport of baseball has its own rich tradition of physical contact whether it be a pat on the back after a tough strikeout or a catcher leaping into the arms of the pitcher who just threw a no-hitter. I think the power of those touches is readily apparent.

It's all that other touching that I have to wonder about. Most of it would best be described as a far-too-low "pat on the back". This form of non-verbal baseball communication can mean many things to many different players.

Sometimes it's to celebrate a big play:

Sometimes it's just to let a guy know that you care:

Or that you're behind him 100%:

Maybe its a way to share that something extra with your buddy:

Or let a rival know they have your respect:

While butt-slaps, ass-grabs and cheek-cupping seem to be a time-honored tradition, there have also been some instances where players get things, well, backwards. I call this the very VERY low five.

All I can say to that is "Play ball!"

Back in elementary school, we were taught that any touching in the "bathing suit zone" was off limits. In baseball, these touches are (mostly) innocent. But I'm telling you, you get a little slap here, a tiny grab there, and before you know it, things are out of control. Don't believe me? Need I trot out my favorite inappropriate baseball touching moment of all-time? Fine! I warned you!

I give you The Dominican Oil Change (always a crowd-pleaser):

Now THAT is how you celebrate a home run (in prison).