Well, I reckon it’s a bit of a mystery to some folks, but if you ever watched a baseball game, you’ll notice them players chompin’ on all sorts of stuff while they’re out there swingin’ bats and catchin’ balls. You see ‘em sittin’ on the bench, chewin’ away, and you might wonder, “What in the world are they chewin’ on all the time?” Well, lemme tell ya, it’s a mix of things—gum, sunflower seeds, and sometimes, a little bit of that old tobacco. Now, let’s take a closer look at what these ballplayers are puttin’ in their mouths and why they do it.
Gum, Gum, and More Gum!
First off, a lot of ‘em chew gum. I reckon you see ‘em poppin’ pink gum in their mouths, and it’s like a tradition in baseball. Been that way for years, ever since I can remember. They say it helps keep their mouths from gettin’ dry and gives ‘em a little something to focus on while they’re standin’ out there in the hot sun. And let me tell ya, it ain’t just any gum—it’s the kind that stays sticky for a long time and gives ‘em a nice, long-lasting flavor.
Now, why do they chew gum? Well, I heard it helps ‘em stay alert, helps with the nerves, and keeps ‘em from getting too anxious. Some folks even say it helps with their focus, and I reckon that’s true. When you’re out there on the field, you gotta be sharp as a tack! So, gum’s good for that. And it’s been that way since back in the day—since the early 1900s, they say. Just one of them old-time traditions that stuck around, like the game itself.
Sunflower Seeds: A Real Favorite
Then, there’s sunflower seeds. Oh, them players love ‘em. A big ol’ bag of seeds is never too far from a ballplayer’s reach. They chew on ’em, spit ‘em out, and carry on with the game. This has become just as much a part of baseball as the game itself. I reckon it started as a way to pass the time, keep the boys busy when they’re sittin’ in the dugout waitin’ their turn to bat or go out and pitch. Ain’t no harm in it, and it’s just part of the routine. It also keeps their mouths moist, helps ‘em avoid getting a dry throat with all that hot air blowin’ ‘round.
Freddie Freeman, a big ol’ first baseman for the Dodgers, he’s been in the Major Leagues since 2010, and he don’t chew tobacco, but you’ll always see him dumpin’ a whole bag of them sunflower seeds in his mouth at once! You can bet he ain’t alone in that. Lots of players do it—it’s a simple thing to do while waitin’ for your turn, and it helps you relax too. Plus, sunflower seeds taste good and are mighty easy to snack on, if you ask me.
Chewing Tobacco: A Tradition That’s Still Around
Now, I gotta talk about the ol’ chewing tobacco. It’s something that goes way back, all the way to the 1800s. Some folks might not like it, but it’s been a part of baseball for a long time. Back in the day, players used it just about every day. It gave ‘em something to do with their mouths, and, well, some of ‘em just liked it. Even today, you can still see players chewin’ tobacco while they’re out on the field. They spit it out, of course—nobody’s swallowin’ that stuff! It’s a way of gettin’ rid of the taste of dust and dirt that builds up in your mouth after bein’ out there all day. Ain’t exactly the healthiest thing, but it’s part of the culture of baseball, I reckon.
But not all players chew tobacco. In fact, a lot of ‘em have switched to gum or sunflower seeds instead. It’s just safer that way, and they don’t get into all that spittin’ business. Freddie Freeman, again, he don’t chew no tobacco. Just seeds and gum. So, it’s not a must-do for all players. Some are happy with the gum and seeds, and that’s just fine.
Why Do They Do It?
So, you might be wonderin’, “Why do they even chew this stuff in the first place?” Well, like I said, it helps ‘em stay alert. Baseball can be a long, slow game sometimes. When you’re sittin’ in the dugout or standin’ in the outfield, you need something to keep your focus sharp and your mind off all the time passin’ by. Gum, seeds, and tobacco—they all help with that. And they also keep the nerves down, ‘specially for them batters waitin’ for that perfect pitch.
Another reason is, it’s just part of the culture. Like I said before, it’s tradition. When you’ve been doin’ somethin’ for as long as baseball players have been chewin’, it becomes a ritual. It’s like a comfort thing, a little piece of the game that makes it feel familiar and homey. They ain’t just chewin’ for the fun of it—they’re chewin’ because it’s what baseball players have always done.
And let’s not forget—it helps with that dry mouth too. When you’re out in the sun all day, and your mouth’s all dry from talkin’ and yellin’ and breathin’ that hot air, having a piece of gum or a handful of seeds is just what you need to wet your whistle and keep on goin’.
In Conclusion
So there ya have it! Baseball players chew all sorts of things—gum, sunflower seeds, and sometimes tobacco—because it helps ‘em stay focused, keep their mouths moist, and pass the time during the game. It’s a tradition that’s been around for years, and it don’t look like it’s goin’ anywhere anytime soon. So, next time you watch a game, just know that when they’re out there chewin’, they’re keepin’ the game movin’ and doin’ it the way it’s always been done!
Tags：[Baseball players, chewing gum, sunflower seeds, chewing tobacco, baseball traditions, MLB chewing habits, why do baseball players chew, gum in baseball, baseball rituals, baseball customs]
