Baseball rules corner: regulations prevent pitchers from distracting batters.

THE TATTOO CULTURE IN OUR society finally bumped heads with Major League Baseball and the rulebook during spring training. Because more than 50 percent of Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Justin Miller's body is covered with body art, he was told by MLB that he must wear long-sleeved shirts under his uniform when he pitches.

According to Toronto manager Carlos Tosca, umpire supervisor Jim McKeon notified the blue Jays that someone had complained about Miller's excessive tattoos that would possibly create a distraction for the batter.

Over the years, players and umpires have had to deal with the subject of distraction suck as prohibiting the use of excessive jewelry and forcing conformity to uniform regulations. Jewelry has always been a concern especially in recent years, as necklaces have become the shining symbol of a ballplayer's wealth and success.

Did you ever think that you would see a catcher wearing an earring? Just look at Benito Santiago. Former players like Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd and Ivan Calderon are other glittering examples.

On June 12, 1988, the Blue Jays hosted the Red Sox. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Toronto catcher Ernie Whitt doubled into the right field comer off Boyd, Subsequent to that, Blue Jays shipper Jimy Williams asked home plate empire Chuck Meriwether to order Boyd to remove a gold chain and large medallion from his neck.

Boyd argued vehemently against Meriwether's demand that he remove the jewelry but eventually gave in.

"Oil Can" should have learned his lesson in his start four days earlier against the Yankees.