Baseball has a detailed and extensive rule book that covers all aspects of the sport. Everything you need to conduct a game is in the book. When you hear of baseball's "unwritten rules," it generally refers to details of the game any serious fan would know, or unspoken rules of baseball etiquette.
Unwritten Offensive Rules
When at bat and running the bases, unwritten rules can help you along. You must never make the first or third out at third base. You should never try to hit and run with an 0-and-2 count. Do not bunt for a base hit when your team needs a sacrifice. Take a strike or two if your team is behind, and take a couple of pitches if the pitcher is having trouble finding the strike zone. When you are running the bases, freeze where you are if the batter hits a line drive until you see if it was caught or not.
Unwritten Defensive Rules
When on the defensive side, never put the go-ahead run on first base intentionally. Early in the game, do not play the infield in. Concede the run and take the out at first. In the outfield, the center fielder is the traffic director and has the right of way on any ball hit in his range. All other fielders must give way if he calls them off. A pitcher should only issue an intentional walk if first base is open, and when you have a runner in a rundown, always run him back toward the base he came from, rather than the one he is going to.
Unwritten Etiquette
Baseball etiquette has a few timeless unwritten rules that have been handed down through the ages. If your team is far ahead in the score, it is not proper to steal a base or lay down a bunt. It is taboo to run across the pitcher's mound when you are leaving or entering the field, and celebrating a home run with too much excitement will be frowned upon by your peers. Any of these infractions may be met by you or another player on your team being hit on his next at bat. Retaliation is another unwritten baseball rule.
Extras
For managers, it is important to not let the score influence your managing style, and you should never go against percentages. If your pitcher is in the midst of a no-hitter, you cannot mention it in the dugout while it is happening, and it is best not to talk to the pitcher at all. A team should always play for a tie at home and a win on the road.
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