Disputed Calls: Does talking about a no-hitter jinx it?

The voices of MLB announcers are transmitted instantaneously around Earth. Journalists for local news outlets have a global audience. You, reading this right now, can take a device that weighs less than half a pound out of your pocket and use it to publish your thoughts as soon as you have them. And people think mentioning a no-hitter in progress can jinx it?

First off, you know someone will always break this rule. Even if announcers adhere to it, it's obvious that all manner of texters, tweeters and news tickers are blasting the news. Yet no-hitters still happen -- kind of a lot, recently. If there was ever logic to the idea that anyone talking about a no-hitter could blow it, wouldn’t total silence on the matter be needed to avoid the jinx?

But I'm being too harsh; of course, there was logic to this idea once. The superstition probably came from the idea that other players shouldn’t talk to a pitcher in the midst of a gem, so as not to throw off his rhythm. That's an understandable concern, if not a universal one. Sandy Koufax was known to have no problem openly discussing in-progress no-hit bids, and Don Larsen was similarly relaxed about it during his World Series perfect game.

On the other hand, some pitchers won’t have a concentration-breaking conversation with teammates even during non-no-hit starts. But I guarantee no pitcher in the midst of the best start of his life is reading your tweets. So feel free to talk about a possible no-hitter endlessly! Starting in the first inning if you want. It can't hurt.

Baseball is a game of superstitions. Whether it's a hop over the foul line, a special bracelet or an exhaustive pre-batting routine, America's pastime has been chock full of rituals – both fun and timeless – since before ivy poked through the wall at Wrigley Field.

And perfect game superstitions are just as important. Who doesn't like seeing a pitcher walk off the mound after seven perfect frames to sit by himself in the dugout -- undisturbed by any praise or encouragement. It's not only great to watch on TV, but reminds us that baseball is an old-school game of unwritten rules and jinxes.

For announcers, refusing to mention a no-no in progress is a way to bring the fans in on baseball's superstitious nature and quirky traditions. Yes, it can be difficult for broadcasters to stay true to their duty of informing the fans about the game.

But it is possible. The Angels' announcers pulled it off during Jered Weaver's no-no earlier this year, and veteran Padres play-by-play man Dick Enberg has been quoted saying that, "You can tell the story without using the words."

Baseball is a sport that usually depends on communication. But when there’s a chance at perfection, it’s best to keep quiet. Not only to respect the pitcher’s work, but also keep the game’s rituals intact.