In this sense, a spitball can be thought of as a fastball with knuckleball action. Perry claims he was taught the spitball in 1964 by pitcher Bob Shaw. Garcia also once admitted to throwing an occasional spitball, an illegal pitch. In Major League Baseball (MLB), the spitball was banned in two stages. Also, pitchers could manipulate the ball through the use of the spitball. "The Outlawed Spitball Was My Money Pitch", published a year after he retired. During rehearsal, someone in the band threw a spitball. For example, the spitball pitch was permitted in baseball until 1921. At the beginning of the 1920 season, the spitball was banned by Major League Baseball. One time, however, his spitball backfired on him. In addition, there were serious issues with the spitball, including some that affected safety. He is credited with inventing the spitball and the out-curve.