Do Baseball Players Still Chew Tobacco?

Smokeless tobacco products have been around for a long time, passing through multiple generations of users for a wide variety of reasons. Some would consume them whenever they feel stressed, anxious, or even bored, while others would chew some tobacco leaves whenever they are doing manual labour, farming, or carrying out outdoor activities like hunting or fishing.

One aspect of smokeless tobacco consumption, however, that has been around for decades is its association with baseball. This game, which is highly popular in the United States, Canada, and many more, involves taking turns in batting and fielding. Since it can take a long time, baseball players, especially major league players, would often chew on some tobacco leaves. 

Do baseball players still chew tobacco today, or has it been replaced by nicotine pouches? Let’s dive into this topic further.

Do Any Baseball Players Still Chew Tobacco?

The history between baseball players and chewing tobacco comes a very long way. Smokeless tobacco use has been around for centuries, with many people consuming this product as a part of religious or cultural rituals as well as a form of medicine. Eventually, smokeless tobacco has evolved into a product that one consumes to relieve one’s senses, emotions, and mood. 

All these effects are brought by the nicotine release from the tobacco that only lasts temporarily.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can somehow relieve your senses. It can even soothe any pain you may be feeling as well as improve your mood. This compound from tobacco, however, may elevate your heart rate and increase the amount of oxygen your heart needs to function optimally.

The elevated feeling and sensation of relaxation and mood improvement are somehow one of the many reasons why baseball players chew tobacco. Even chewing tobacco companies knew this, which is why they used to partner with baseball leagues and tournaments to promote their products as well as encourage players to do their best for a chance to earn checks and sacks.

In 1912, the American Tobacco Company advertised its popular “Bull Durham” brand of loose-leaf chewing tobacco. The brand erected huge wooden bull statues beyond the outfield fences in most Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums. 

They then promised to give a $50 check and 72 sacks of tobacco as a price for any player who would hit a home run off the bull. 

This campaign was met with a resounding success, paying out $10,550 in prize money and distributing 254,700 sacks of tobacco to MLB players who have met the said goal. Alongside this campaign came a huge increase in their sales, pushing the popularity of chewing tobacco to a greater height during the early 20th century.

After a few decades, many major league players as well as those who are in minor leagues would often have bulging chaws beneath their lower lips, signifying the presence of chewing tobacco across the sports. You may even spot some geysers of mud-brown dip spit scattered over dugout railings. 

Does this practice of chewing tobacco continue today?

While there are a few baseball players who still chew tobacco, many have switched to a less harmful and cleaner alternative nicotine pouches.

A key reason behind the switch is that MBL and other baseball leagues have already banned smokeless tobacco. It is motivated by their commitment to stop young fans and other people from being influenced to consume tobacco, which has been linked to many illnesses. Additionally, players want a cleaner way of getting nicotine that is easily met by nicotine pouches.

You can buy nicotine pouches in Canada here at NativeSmokes4Less. We offer these products from popular brands like ZYN, 6ix, Juice Head, and many more.

Do Major League Baseball Players Still Chew Tobacco?

Believe it or not, the highest number of baseball players who chew tobacco come from Major League Baseball. Hence, it is not surprising to see how they have influenced other players from different leagues to also catch up with the ritual of chewing tobacco while in-game or during training.

But even before the campaign by the American Tobacco Company was implemented in the early 20th century, chewing tobacco and baseball had already been closely associated a couple of decades before it. 

During the 1880s, tobacco baseball cards were being sold by tobacco companies as a way to market their products as well as to serve fans who wanted to get hold of their favourite players on the field.

Of course, it is only one of the campaigns that gradually cemented the link between chewing tobacco and baseball. Players, for decades, would chew tobacco as a way to keep them somehow concentrated on the game as well as ensure they are relaxed and calm. They also said that chewing tobacco helps keep their mouth moist while on the field since it can be dry and dusty, especially during long games.

These things, however, have gradually changed when MBL first banned tobacco usage in their minor leagues in 1993. While it did not prohibit Major League employees or players from using tobacco since they were covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), it still affected the way chewing tobacco was seen in sports. 

Since 2011, teams have been prohibited from supplying smokeless tobacco products to their players. Players are then banned from using dip during interviews or carrying chewing tobacco in their uniform. It was by 2016 when the newest CBA was implemented, banning the use of smokeless tobacco altogether at any games or team functions. This was applied to players who joined MBL after the 2016 season.

The ban on smokeless tobacco, which covers chewing tobacco, has then reached MBL stadiums. Around half of them would prohibit fans from using tobacco during games.

All these bans are meant to save young fans from being influenced by the consumption of tobacco, especially at a young age. Additionally, they intend to prevent current and new players from getting health issues that are related to tobacco consumption.

Chewing tobacco, after all, has caused health issues for many Major League players, which include Bill Tuttle and Babe Ruth. The death of Major League player Tony Gwynn due to salivary gland cancer, however, further intensified the calls to totally ban chewing tobacco in baseball.

Despite the ban, several Major League baseball players are still chewing tobacco. However, they may be lower than before, with only 45% of them using smokeless tobacco products. 

MLB Chewing Tobacco Rules

The MBL recently implemented rules that would prohibit chewing tobacco as well as other forms of tobacco from being used during games, press interviews, and so on. Here are a number of rules regarding the consumption of chewing tobacco.

• Restrictions in stadiums or ballparks: Many Major League stadiums, particularly in cities with local tobacco-free ordinances, prohibit smokeless tobacco products from being used on stadium premises. Some cities where these ordinances are implemented include San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and Chicago.
• Chewing tobacco ban on new players: Players with no credited Major League service at the end of the 2016 season or those who made their debut during the 2017 season or later are banned from using tobacco products on-field during games in every ballpark. They are also prohibited from using the same products during televised interviews and appearances on behalf of the Club.
• Concealing requirement: Whenever fans enter any ballpark, players should conceal their tobacco products (including tins and packages) and may not carry tobacco products in their uniform or on their bodies. This concealing requirement helps maintain a positive influence on younger fans.
• Tobacco-free minor leagues: The Minor League Baseball also bans the use of smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, for all players, coaches, and staff. It helps instill tobacco-free habits among younger players who will be joining the league.
• Efforts to educate players: Major League Baseball collaborates with health organizations to educate players about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, encompassing the risks of developing oral cancer, gum disease, and nicotine addiction. Written materials are expected to be distributed to the players, while an online education program will be developed to help players understand further the dangers of smokeless tobacco and available cessation options.

All these rules reflect the commitment of Major League Baseball to promote player health and set a good example for its audience, especially younger fans. While tobacco use among baseball players would not decrease right away, it’s a great step for the league to show how committed they are to protecting the players from the dangers of chewing tobacco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do pro baseball players still chew tobacco?

A number of pro baseball players are still chewing tobacco. However, the number of chewing tobacco users among baseball players has declined over the past few years due to health awareness and regulations implemented by major and minor leagues.

What do baseball players chew on?

Baseball players typically chew tobacco leaves, especially loose-leaf tobacco leaves, during games. They chew these to keep their mouths busy during long games. They also rely on them to reduce stress and enhance their focus and concentration. 

Do athletes use chewing tobacco?

Some athletes do use chewing tobacco, especially in sports like baseball. However, its consumption has declined significantly in recent years due to the associated health risks of tobacco, regulations limiting or banning its use, and increased awareness about its dangers.

What are baseball players spitting out?

Baseball players who chew tobacco often spit out dark, brownish tobacco juice occasionally. Swallowing this juice can be hazardous to their health, which is why they need to spit it out periodically.

Summary

Despite the ban on chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products in public, many baseball players continue to chew tobacco privately. These professional athletes may use these products as a means of relaxation, considering the immense pressure they often face during their games.

Of course, major leagues have made different rulings to keep their players informed about the health risks associated with chewing tobacco. They’ve even banned smokeless tobacco from being used inside sporting venues, which could potentially reduce the number of fans and players who rely on tobacco. Regardless, it’s important that steps have been taken to keep the players safe, given how dangerous tobacco can be if consumed regularly for a long time.

Given the connotation regarding chewing tobacco, is it still possible to bring one here in Canada? Head over to this article to learn more.