1968 – In aĀ spring trainingĀ game,Ā Chicago CubsĀ pitcherĀ Jim EllisĀ creates the ā€œLip Passā€ by going to his mouth on a 3 and 1Ā countĀ to issue anĀ intentional walk. Cubs managerĀ Leo Durocher, who was opposed to the new strict enforcement of the rule preventing pitchers from going to their mouth while on the rubber, is warned not to repeat the Lip pass or he’ll be fined. He doesn’t, but theĀ ruleĀ is relaxed.

1968 – In aĀ spring trainingĀ game,Ā Chicago CubsĀ pitcherĀ Jim EllisĀ creates the ā€œLip Passā€ by going to his mouth on a 3 and 1Ā countĀ to issue anĀ intentional walk. Cubs managerĀ Leo Durocher, who was opposed to the new strict enforcement of the rule preventing pitchers from going to their mouth while on the rubber, is warned not to repeat the Lip pass or he’ll be fined. He doesn’t, but theĀ ruleĀ is relaxed.