The phrase references a colloquial, often humorous, and sometimes loosely interpreted understanding of baseball regulations. It represents a situation where the rules might be bent, overlooked, or even creatively reinterpreted, often prioritizing entertainment or a specific desired outcome. An example would be a playful interpretation of a balk call or an umpire using discretion to avoid penalizing a minor infraction in a non-critical game situation.
The perceived “importance” lies less in strict adherence to formalized baseball doctrine and more in the spirit of the game and the entertainment value for fans. Historically, this approach echoes an era of baseball where showmanship and personality were highly valued, and a degree of latitude was afforded to players and umpires to maintain a lively atmosphere, particularly in exhibition games or less formal settings. This contrasts with the increasing emphasis on data-driven analysis and rigid enforcement seen in modern professional baseball.
