Why do baseball players chew gum? Find out the real reason here

If you are a baseball fan, you might wonder, ''why do baseball players chew gum?'' The peculiar habit is common among baseball players and has been associated with several reasons. What is the history behind this phenomenon? Keep reading to find out.

Healthline.com says chewing gum has numerous benefits, including burning calories, reducing stress, and boosting memory. Today, you can see athletes chewing gum in the dugouts and on the pitch. Why do baseball players chew gum? Here are the exciting reasons why.

History of the baseball chew gum

In the game's early years, players used tobacco to produce the saliva needed to filter out dust from their mouths. Chewing gum became an alternative in 1977 when Rob Nelson invented the Big League Chew gum for players like himself, who did not use tobacco. The product was officially launched in 1980 and has sold over 800 million pouches.

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NBA

Why do Major League Baseball players chew gum? In 2016, the MLB banned players from chewing tobacco on the field or in clubhouses due to increasing health concerns, making gum the next available option. The ban applies to fans, employees, and players, and several stadiums are entirely tobacco-free.

While netizens might see it as a hobby or peculiar habit, there are several reasons why these athletes chew, including culture and some superstitions. So, why do baseball players chew gum? Here are some of the reasons:

1. Traditional reasons

Why do all baseball players chew gum? For years, chewing gum has been associated with baseball. Players likely took up the habit from their predecessors over the years, mainly because the game is one of the most popular in America.

2. Improve concentration and judgment

Baseball, like other sports, requires concentration and speedy judgment while moving on the field. Chewing gum helps keep athletes alert by improving blood circulation and brain activity. This keeps them focused and increases their ability to make judgments.

Chewing also improves heart rate and blood pressure, which also improves their decision-making. For coaches, chewing helps them think clearly and make decisions ins stressful situations.

3. Prevents mouth-drying and removes the taste of dust

Why do baseball players chew gum while playing? Baseball games happen in dry, dusty fields, exposing the players to dust in their mouths. The players and coaches also shout to give instructions, causing their mouths to dry up because they do not drink water frequently. Chewing helps prevent this feeling of fatigue and a dry mouth that causes increased water loss. Gum also facilitates continuous saliva flow, keeping the mouth moist.

4. Reduces anxiety and stress

Why do baseball players chew so much gum? It is not uncommon to see pink patches on baseball fields during games. Players and coaches need to manage their stress levels while playing to help them stay focused and make accurate decisions. Chewing causes increased blood flow to the brain, causing the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, an anti-stress hormone.

5. To blow bubbles

Like several individuals who love chewing gum, players enjoy making bubbles, occasionally competing to see who will make the biggest one. Some of the chewing gum brands popular among baseball players include:

Besides bubble gum, players also chew sunflower seeds which also help them clean out dirt from their mouths. They also keep them hydrated. Other options are peanuts and pistachios.

6. Superstitious reasons

Because of the belief that players have to chew gum, some have attached superstitious reasons to the habit. For example, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees chews two pieces of Dubble Bubble before his first at-bat of the game. He chews a fresh piece at his next at-bat. Other players chew gum, believing that it will bring them luck.

7. To remember the number of outs

Some players chew gum to remember the number of outs in an inning. Players spit out their old gum for a fresh one for every new out. They use the number of pieces chewed or left to count the outs.

Why do baseball players chew gum and spit?

Besides chewing, it is not uncommon to see baseball players spit. Before the tobacco ban, players would spit out the sunflower seeds. While most spit out of habit, others do it to prevent the discomfort caused by their dry mouths. Secondly, the chewing gum collects dirt in the players' mouths, which they spit out. Some experts also state that spitting keeps the players relaxed and calm.

It might be challenging to determine the real reason baseball players chew gum. However, it cuts across mental, physical, and superstitious reasons and is likely not going away any time. Despite the negative perceptions about chewing gum, players and coaches derive several benefits from the habit.

Sports Brief published an article about the baseball legends who have made headlines over the years with their impressive records and performances. These players set the standard for the present caliber of athletes, giving their best in different positions on the field. Who are some of these individuals?

Babe Ruth is regarded as the best player of all time. The deceased athlete achieved 7 World Series championships and was an MLB All-Time winner. 91-year-old Willie Mays takes second place among the best. He is also known to be the best black baseball player of all time. Check out the above article for the complete list of baseball legends.