That's what makes Cole Hamels' comments following Sunday's game against the Nationals so unique.
Hamels admitted to plunking Nats phenom Bryce Harper in the back in the first inning, perhaps leading to some discipline, but most definitely leading to debate.
"I was trying to hit him," Hamels said, showing he clearly paid attention throughout grade school. "I mean, I'm not going to deny it. It's something that I grew up watching. I'm just trying to continue old baseball, because I think some people get away from it. I remember when I was a rookie, the strike zone was really, really small and you didn't say anything, because that's the way baseball is. But I think unfortunately sometimes the league is protecting certain players and making it not as that kind of old school, prestigious way of baseball."
Hamels is spot-on. In an age when contracts take precedence, blisters cost players weeks and beanballs are generally met with skepticism, it's nice to see the game return to its roots, even if it comes at the expense of a bruise for Harper.
Plunking batters isn't something generally encouraged by Little League coaches or considered something you want to gain a reputation for, but Hamels' pitch hit Harper right where it should. No head-hunting was involved, meaning the potential for physical harm was minimal, and Hamels even said after the game that he wasn't trying to hurt Harper.
What makes this situation such a breath of fresh air, though, is the way that each side handled it. After Hamels plunked Harper, Washington starter Jordan Zimmerman came out and hit Hamels in the leg as he squared around to bunt in his first at-bat of the game.
Zimmerman wouldn't go as far to say he hit Hamels intentionally, but the Phillies lefty expected to get hit, which should be the case when you go ahead and drill the Nationals' prized prospect.
"I'm happy that's the way it worked because that's the way it should work," Hamels said.
Still, it's the revenge that Harper exacted that really gave Sunday's game an old-school feel. Rather than standing there, arguing, complaining or whining — like many may have expected the polarizing 19-year-old to do — he made Hamels pay on the bases. Harper went first to third on a single by Jayson Werth, then stole home when Hamels threw over to first on a pickoff attempt.
We shouldn't be too surprised that that's how things played out, as Harper has showed an immense amount of grit since making his big league debut on April 28. In fact, it's part of what makes him so great for baseball in so many ways — although the raw talent doesn't hurt either. But the way that Harper plays the game is also what makes him a target for established hurlers like Hamels.
As for why Hamels decided to hit Harper?
"It's just welcome to the big leagues," he said.
While it wasn't exactly a warm welcome, it is a welcomed sight. It indicates that the honesty and passion of yesteryear might not be completely dead, even if it does have one foot in the grave.
