I watch little baseball these days, but have been watching the playoffs a bit

[rsdsharp]

6. Yes, it has to do with sticky substances. It's not just rosin and sweat.

Or pine tar. There are substances that are so sticky they will actually allow you to pick up a ball without gripping it. It allows more friction and much higher spin rates and breaks. Spin rates are sometimes in excess of 3000 rpm.

They check everybody, often multiple times per game. I’ve seen them check reserve infielders who are pitching late in blow out games to just to save the bullpen. The guy is throwing 55 mph, and couldn’t throw a breaking ball to save his life, but they want his glove, cap and belt.