re: Does throwing the ball to 3rd base after a strike out

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“From a long time ago, people do that in this sport,” Ramos said. “I don’t know why.”

Few players do — though everyone has a theory.

Ramos believes catchers throw the ball around the horn to keep infielders engaged in the game, fresh at a time when they would otherwise be stationary. Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant believes it’s designed to give the pitcher time to walk around the mound and re-focus for the next batter. Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman just shrugged when asked about it.

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The answer, at least from a historical perspective, is none of the above.

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Thorn said it is unclear when flashy pregame fielding drills entered the game and became the “around the horn” tradition that exists today, but he said its roots in entertainment are clear

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