During Monday’s Padres-Rangers game (box score), shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam. In the eighth inning, Tatis came up to the plate to face Juan Nicasio with the bases loaded and took a 3-0 pitch over the right field wall at Globe Life Field. This put the Padres up 14-3. 

At the 3-0 count, Padres manager Jayce Tingler said that he gave Tatis the sign to take the pitch and not swing. “It’s a learning opportunity … he’ll grow from it,” Tingler said after the game. Rangers manager Chris Woodward expressed disdain with Tatis’ home run and claimed that it “challenged the unwritten rules in today’s game.” Tingler worked under Woodward last year, so there’s an added layer to their reactions. 

Tatis’ grand slam and both managers’ postgame comments have — unfortunately — reignited a futile debate over baseball’s “unwritten rules.” We’ve rounded up reactions from both current and former players on the issue for your reading pleasure.

Reds lefty Amir Garrett didn’t hesitate to brush off the idea of unwritten rules in 2020.

Hall of Famer Johnny Bench thinks everyone should swing on a 3-0 count.

The dynamic White Sox superstar Tim Anderson questioned why Tingler didn’t support his player, adding that the game wasn’t over yet.

Tatis’ grand slam got respect from pitchers like Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez and Reds right-hander Trevor Bauer.

Right-hander Collin McHugh was pretty straight forward with his viewpoint.

Just the conversation of “unwritten rules” in baseball left Twins right-hander Trevor May completely flabbergasted.

Retired MLB infielder Trevor Plouffe also defended Tatis and protested that the ‘unwritten rules’ are in his words, “stupid.”

Former Mets utility player Ty Kelly reminded us all that there are bigger priorities than debating swinging on a 3-0 pitch.

Mr. October himself, Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, expressed his support for Tatis and the energy he brings to the game.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo proved the 3-0 no swing “rule” is a contradiction in itself.

Before Tuesday’s game, Padres manager Jayce Tingler reflected on Monday’s events, including walking back on his “teachable moment” comment. Tingler said he was referencing the concept of picking up signs, not unwritten rules.

Tingler also said this of his 3-0 take sign:

Former MLB third baseman and CBS Sports HQ’s Will Middlebrooks gave his reasoning why he’s siding with Tatis.

Cardinals right-hander Jack Flaherty broke down Tatis’ at-bat in simple terms.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton advocated for baseball players having fun, especially in this fan-less 2020 season.

“It’s a fun game. I think we have to encourage kids to have fun and enjoy the game,” Shelton said on MLB Network Radio Tuesday. “I think we need to let kids play. The unwritten rules of the game have gone bygones. There is respect … but in terms of letting guys play, I think you have to let them do that.”