Break the Rules?

While I'm waiting for Atlanta Season 2...

March brings with it the anticipation of another season on the diamond, as teams are now in full swing during Spring Training. Whether they are in Arizona or Florida, 30 squads go in with the "anything can happen" mantra, fielding rosters of veterans on their last hurrahs or rookies hoping to make their big break. With it, comes the old time established rules that have been the standard since the dawn of time:

-No bunting during a perfect game (apparently).
-No wearing of facial hair if you're a New York Yankee.
-No flipping of the bat to admire an epic home run.

Now, we have "HatGate," in which the Atlanta Braves have told stud prospect Ronald Acuna that he must wear his hat properly as he gets ready to embark on a potentially incredible career. Acuna has been known to wear his hate to the side during games, and this has apparently rankled some of the upper brass.

OK, I get it. Organizations have rules in place, and as someone who works in at a school, I understand the importance of adhering to particular dress codes. After all, we don't want people showing up in the office dressed as if they are headed for the club unless it's Halloween Friday. That said, this is 2018, and I am surprised that we are still having this issue. 

When Yasiel Puig came on the scene a few years ago, he electrified the game while displaying a few habits that ticked off those "we play the game right" guys. You know what? I loved when he did it, just as much when Ken Griffey Jr. wore his jersey un-tucked. The fact is, at some point baseball has to get with the 21st century and allow these players to let loose. Some players do wear their hats to honor loved ones, such as Fernando Rodney, and I think the Braves should not get off to the wrong start with a guy who could potentially bring them back to prominence.

This isn't about just the fact that he is an uber-talent; this is about people in power needing to focus on more important things. There's a reason that the NFL and the NBA has overtaken baseball as the American pastime, and it is because they let the players be themselves. How much more fun was watching football when the Philadelphia Eagles' defense was doing the electric slide after an interception? 

Get over yourself baseball, and let these guys grow in their own personalities. Besides, if he comes out and becomes the next Barry Bonds (steroids excluded) no one is going to care if he wears his jersey backwards. There are times when we need to relax the rules, and this is one of them.