Here we go again. Do you play baseball to be nice – or win games?

If you can be nice AND win games, that’s great.

But don’t forget that winning is what you’re paid for.

Among baseball’s unwritten rules are: Don’t swing on a 3-0 pitch.

Most managers call it. Most players do what the manager says. He’s the guy who decides whether or not you get to play.

The latest rumpus over swinging on a 3-0 pitch started the other night at a San Diego Padres game.

In the 8th inning, the Padres were up 7 runs over the Texas Rangers. The bases were loaded when the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. came to bat.

After 3 straight balls, his manager signaled not to swing at the next pitch. He might be walked, driving in another run.

Tatis missed the sign, swung and had a grand slam for his 11th homer of the season.

A non-no?

Baseball strategists will tell you it’s not smart to swing at a 3-0 pitch. With the bases loaded, you risk hitting into a double play and your manager’s wrath.

It you wait, you may get another ball and a easy walk to 1st base while your teammate on 3rd trots home.

Did Tatis do the right thing in this situation?

I say yes and no less than 2 Hall of Famers agree.

Johnny Bench, one of the greatest catchers in the history of the game, says he would have done the same.

“So you take a pitch… now you’re 3-1,” he said. “Then the pitcher comes back with a great setup pitch…3-2. Now you’re ready to groundout into a double play.

“Everyone should hit 3-0.” He was probably also thinking of players’ contracts that pay bonuses for home runs and grand slams.

Reggie Jackson, aka Mr. October, told Tatis to “keep playing hard and playing great. It’s a pleasure to watch you play.

“Love your success and the Padres rise to be a winner. It ain’t easy to hit HRs. Keep bringing energy you have to the game, we need players like you.”

Reality check

In baseball, no lead is ever safe. Baseball has no clock.

Unlike basketball and football that play against the clock, a baseball game’s length is determined by outs and it’s winners by runs.

The winner gets the most runs and 27 outs.

Criticizing Tatis was MLB Network loud mouth Chris Russo who accused him of running up the score.

This reminded me of what Bobby Bowden once told Lou Holtz after a rout.

“It’s not my job to hold down the score,” Bowden said. “That’s your job.”

What do you think of this 3-0 nonsense? Should Tatis have given up the chance at another home run? Write me at ChronicleSports@yahoo.com .