AS TOM HANKS said, “There’s no tying in baseball.”

Baseball, America’ oldest pastime, if not its’ most favorite, is nevertheless the one with the most with the most myths, traditions and superstitions.

Yesterday was July 4, and – as the spooky would have it – the teams in Mayor League Baseball that will win their divisions will be the Dodgers (of course), Cubs (probably), Phillies (maybe), Astros (likely), Blue Jays (don’t bet on it) and Tigers (bet on it).

The mechanism in play is the tradition that whichever team is “first on the 4th” finishes first. Provably untrue, but nice to hear.

Another myth is you may have even repeated is “tie goes to the runner.”

That was never a rule and with today’s computer metrics and replays, it seems silly, but over the years many backyard, sandlot and even a few big league games have been settled that way.

Either the runner beat the ball to the base or he didn’t.

We have to face it: just like Tom Hanks said, “there’s no tying in baseball.”

Something I’ve followed religiously – along with millions of other diamond minions at all levels – is you don’t step on a foul line when coming onto or off from the field. It somehow offends the Baseball Gods.

Step on the chalk and before you know it, you’re pulling a hamstring muscle running to first, or losing a fly ball in the sun (or a bright moon).

Can’t find your car in the parking lot afterwards? Look on the soles of your shoes and you may find the evidence there.
Talking to a pitcher on your team who’s throwing a no-hitter? Get out of town … literally.