For well over a hundred years baseball has been operating with a code that one does not show up  the opposing pitcher after a home run. Traditionally if that happens, the next time the batter steps in the box, the first pitch will be at his head.

I have watched this happen more times than I could count. My memory goes back to the early 1960's and I usually sided with the pitcher because throwing at the batter was always part of the game. 

Even though I guess I am a baseball purist, I don't have a problem with bat flipping or other types of celebrations. The game has changed tremendously over the years and maybe it is time to let the players celebrate all they want. I am not advocating new rules to this effect, but I believe today's ballplayer has the right to throw his bat in the air after an important home run. The other sports allow all kinds of celebrating, particularly football where all kinds of bizarre antics are tolerated. Maybe baseball should follow.

However, about that phantom tag at second............