Why Do Baseball Players Chew Gum?
Why Do Baseball Players Chew Gum – Chewing gum holds a longstanding tradition across diverse cultures and is firmly embedded within the realm of sports. Baseball stands out for its unique association with gum chewing, a practice frequently observed among players on the field and in the dugout. Over time, this act of chewing gum has evolved into a near-ritualistic behaviour for numerous baseball athletes.
In Major League Baseball (MLB), gum chewing transcends mere habit or ritual; it carries practical advantages for players. Scientifically, it has been linked to aiding concentration, stress relief, anxiety reduction, and heightened alertness among players.
Additionally, the act of chewing gum helps maintain moisture in a player’s mouth during the game, effectively preventing dryness and potential throat irritation.
History of Why Do Baseball Players Chew Gum
During the early years of the game, players relied on tobacco to generate saliva, aiding in filtering out dust from their mouths. However, a shift occurred in 1977 with the introduction of Big League Chew by Rob Nelson, providing an alternative for players like himself who refrained from using tobacco. The product officially debuted in 1980 and has sold over 800 million pouches.
The adoption of chewing gum among Major League Baseball (MLB) players stemmed from the league’s 2016 prohibition on chewing tobacco both on the field and in clubhouses.
This prohibition emerged due to escalating health concerns, prompting gum to become a viable substitute. The ban extends to fans, staff, and players, with several stadiums now designated as entirely tobacco-free zones.
While the public might perceive it as a pastime or idiosyncratic behaviour, there exist multiple reasons why these athletes chew gum, including factors related to culture and certain superstitions.
Reasons Of Why Do Baseball Players Chew Gum:
So, what motivates baseball players to chew gum? Here are some of the reasons:
To keep the mouth moist
Baseball players often chew gum primarily to prevent dryness in their mouths, a crucial aspect for pitchers. Pitchers require adequate saliva to maintain a firm grip on the ball, ensuring control and accuracy in their throws. Moreover, saliva is a natural lubricant, reducing the likelihood of injury or discomfort during the game.
Saliva holds immense significance in baseball, especially for pitchers relying on it to grip the ball effectively and regulate its trajectory. Insufficient saliva could lead to slips while pitching, resulting in erratic throws or accidentally hitting a batter. Furthermore, saliva aids in breaking down food particles, minimizing the risk of choking or discomfort mid-game.
Chewing gum serves as a means to stimulate saliva production, assisting in keeping the mouth moist—a valuable advantage for players enduring prolonged periods on the field without immediate access to hydration. Maintaining moisture, players can sustain their focus and concentration levels throughout the game.
To reduce stress and improve focus
Baseball players also chew gum to alleviate stress and enhance their concentration during the game. Studies indicate that chewing gum can significantly lower stress levels, a beneficial aspect for athletes facing performance pressure.
The act of chewing gum triggers the production of specific hormones in the body, like serotonin and dopamine, known for their role in enhancing mood, reducing stress, and inducing a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Beyond stress reduction, chewing gum has been found to heighten focus and alertness. This attribute is significant for players requiring swift reactions and split-second decision-making while on the field.
To replace chewing tobacco
Some baseball players opt for chewing gum as a healthier alternative to chewing tobacco. Chewing tobacco has been associated with various adverse health outcomes, such as an elevated risk of cancer and other serious diseases. By choosing gum over tobacco substitutes, players can uphold the chewing habit without exposing themselves to these detrimental health effects.
Chewing tobacco poses several health risks, including an increased susceptibility to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and strokes. It can also lead to oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral complications.
Conversely, chewing gum offers several positive health advantages. It aids in stimulating saliva production, diminishing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
Additionally, it contributes to fresher breath and improved digestion. Moreover, as a low-calorie alternative to snacking, chewing gum can assist players in managing their weight and maintaining fitness levels.
To blow bubbles
Similar to many gum enthusiasts, players relish blowing bubbles, often engaging in friendly competitions to produce the largest bubble. Among the preferred chewing gum brands embraced by baseball players are:
- Bubblicious
- Dubble Bubble Original Bubble Gum
- Quench Gum
- Hubba Bubba
- Bubble Yum
In addition to bubble gum, players indulge in chewing sunflower seeds as they aid in clearing dirt from their mouths while also providing hydration. Alternatives such as peanuts and pistachios are also favoured by players for snacking purposes.
Why do baseball players chew gum and spit?
Apart from chewing gum, observing baseball players spitting is a common sight. In the past, before the tobacco ban, players would spit out sunflower seeds. While some spit out of habit, others do so to alleviate discomfort arising from dry mouths.
Furthermore, chewing gum accumulates debris in players’ mouths, prompting them to spit it out. Some experts suggest that spitting aids in keeping players relaxed and composed.
Pinpointing the precise rationale behind why baseball players chew gum might pose a challenge. Nevertheless, it encompasses a spectrum of mental, physical, and superstitious motives, indicating it’s unlikely to vanish soon.
Despite prevailing negative perceptions regarding gum chewing, players and coaches reap numerous advantages from this practice.
