The Major League Baseball rulebook is nearly 200 pages long. It's filled with rules and regulations that all 30 teams must adhere to in every game. The rulebook covers the basics that an umpiring crew can control. However, there's an entirely different rulebook that doesn't exist in a physical format. These five unwritten baseball rules for beginners help explain the fickle nature of the sport's traditions.

Respect the Score

Nothing agitates a losing team more than when their opponent refuses to play the full nine innings. Of all the unwritten rules of the game, this one makes the least sense. In theory, if your favorite team is up 9-0, they can no longer steal bases, go first to third on a single, or swing on a 3-0 count. If they do, the opposition has every right to be upset. Maybe the other team should consider not losing by nine runs instead of policing teams who break the unwritten code.

You Do Not Talk About Fight Club & No-Hitters

Whether you're superstitious or a little stitious (h/t Michael Scott), one thing is certain: no-hitters have their own set of unwritten rules. The first unwritten rule of no-hitters mirrors the first two rules of Fight Club. You do not talk about the no-hitter.

Broadcasters will describe what's going on without saying the words. Something to the effect of 21 up, 21 down, or the Tampa Bay Rays haven't reached base in seven innings. Whatever vocabulary you want to use, avoid saying the words like saying Voldemort's name.

Avoid Baserunning Blunders

This is the one rule that will drive you nuts as a fan. The general rule is that a baserunner should never make the first or third out at third base, especially if your team is trailing. You'll want to throw something at the TV if there is an easy out at third because it's implanted in every baseball player's mind to avoid it.

Field of Dreams

The baseball diamond is a sanctuary, so every player must treat it as such. Therefore, it’s an unspoken rule that players don't step on the foul lines to keep it pristine when they come off the field. Think of that line as magma, and step or jump over it to keep the baseball gods in your good graces.

Additionally, players shouldn’t run across the pitcher's mound when the pitcher is around it. That's a sure-fire way to grind their gears, and they don't want to make an enemy of someone who can throw a projectile at them.

Just a Bit Inside

This beautiful game has a way of self-policing itself when someone gets out of line by throwing the beanball. Even if the beanball doesn't come, the fear that it could happen at any moment may be enough to keep players in line. Is it an archaic juvenile way to hold players accountable? Most definitely. But a baseball fan cannot imagine the game without it.

Learning the five unwritten baseball rules for beginners highlights the game's dubious nature. As much as baseball's unwritten rulebook is vague, Pregame's premium MLB betting tips are well-thought-out, giving you a chance to make some cold hard cash. You can choose from any experts to get you on the winning track.