Baseball fans have long noticed the peculiar habit of players spitting frequently during games. From the bleachers to the dugout, streams of tobacco-tinged saliva arc through the air after nearly every pitch. Some fans find it off-putting, while others accept it as part of baseball’s tradition and culture. But why do players spit so much in the first place? What purpose does it serve?
This article will explore the origins and rationale behind this odd athletic behavior. Whether you view spitting as unsanitary or just part of the game, learning the history behind it will enrich your experience as a baseball fan. After reading this, you may never look at a glob of player spit the same way again. So get ready to cover your bases and dive into the explanations behind why baseball players spit so much.
History of Chewing Tobacco in Baseball
Chewing tobacco first became popular with baseball players in the late 1800s. Players used it to keep their mouths moist in the hot sun during long games, as the dusty fields often caused their mouths to feel dry. The tobacco juice or “spit” also helped players grip the ball better and provided a distraction during downtime in the dugout or bullpen.
By the early 1900s, chewing tobacco had become ingrained in baseball culture, promoted by tobacco companies through advertisements using popular players. Even though public health concerns eventually led to bans on chewing tobacco in minor league and college baseball, the tradition continues in Major League Baseball today.
Performance Enhancement
Some baseball players believe that chewing tobacco enhances their athletic performance. This belief originated from the stimulant effects of nicotine, which is absorbed through the oral mucosa when chewing tobacco. Nicotine has been shown to improve certain aspects of physiological function including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.
However, multiple studies have concluded that smokeless tobacco does not actually improve strength, endurance, or overall athletic performance. While nicotine may provide a temporary stimulant effect, it does not enhance muscle power or cardiovascular function during exercise. The performance enhancing claims are likely due to the placebo effect rather than any measurable physical benefit.
In summary, despite the long-held belief that chewing tobacco can boost athletic abilities, scientific research does not support this claim. The perceived performance enhancement is subjective and does not translate to measurable improvements in physical capabilities.
Oral Fixation
Many baseball players spit frequently during games as a way to satisfy an oral fixation or habit. Chewing gum, tobacco, sunflower seeds, or other items gives players an outlet for this fixation. The act of spitting provides a physical release for nervous energy or anxiety. Some players may not even realize they are doing it, as it becomes an unconscious habit over time.
This oral fixation can start at a young age, as kids imitate their favorite major league players’ spitting mannerisms. The seeds, gum, tobacco, become a pacifier of sorts to deal with the pressures of the game. Fidgeting with something in their mouth and spitting gives an outlet for this anxiety. The more tense the game situation, the more frequent the spitting ritual becomes for many players.
Moistening Mouth
One reason baseball players spit frequently is to moisten their mouth in dry conditions. The air in outdoor baseball stadiums can become very dry, especially in arid climates. Spitting produces saliva which helps moisten and lubricate the mouth. Players may feel the need to spit more often to maintain moisture in their mouth when playing in dry heat. The act of spitting also wets the lips, which can easily become chapped and cracked in dry environments. Having a moist mouth helps players swallow, breathe through the mouth, and yell commands on the field.
A study on baseball players in hot climates found increased saliva flow and spitting frequency compared to cooler temperatures. Staying hydrated with fluids can help too, but spitting gives an instant moistening effect. The dry air and conditions of outdoor baseball can lead players to frequently spit as a way to keep their mouth and throat comfortable.
Hydration
Baseball players spit frequently to remove excess saliva buildup caused by hydration. When players drink water or sports drinks, the liquid mixes with saliva and can create excess mucus in the mouth that feels uncomfortable. Spitting clears out this excess liquid and allows players to feel comfortable continuing to play without distraction.
Research also shows that rinsing the mouth with a sports drink and spitting it out can enhance athletic performance. This “carb rinsing” primes the reward centers in the brain by allowing carbs to interact with taste receptors, without having to digest the drink. Spitting out the rinse allows players to get the performance benefit without consuming excess calories or delaying gastric emptying during activity.
Tobacco Withdrawal
Many baseball players chew tobacco to get a nicotine fix and satisfy an oral craving. When they can’t chew, they experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and oral fixation. Spitting excess saliva relieves these symptoms and makes players feel more comfortable when they can’t chew tobacco during a game.
The act of spitting gives players an outlet for their oral fixation and eases the effects of nicotine withdrawal. It becomes a habit even when they aren’t chewing tobacco.
Social Pressure
Baseball has a long history of unwritten rules and traditions that get passed down from veteran players to rookies. One of these unwritten rules is the expectation that players will spit frequently during games. Many players feel peer pressure to conform to this tradition in order to fit in with the team.
They may pick up the habit of spitting even if they don’t use chewing tobacco, just to look the part of a baseball player. Rookies may spit more to look tough and avoid teasing from veteran players. Spitting has become ingrained in baseball’s culture over decades, and the social pressure on players to spit helps perpetuate the habit.
Unwritten Rules
Spitting has become engrained in baseball’s culture and is seen as part of the sport’s norms. Players often spit to show their “toughness” and adherence to baseball’s “unwritten rules”. There is a macho attitude in baseball that glorifies things like spitting, and players who abstain can face ridicule for not following these unwritten rules.
Some argue that the spitting “tradition” should be broken as part of modernizing the culture of baseball. However, the pressure to conform makes many players reluctant to buck the trend. Ultimately, spitting persists partly due to baseball’s long-held traditions and “codes” of conduct.
Conclusion
Baseball players spit frequently for a variety of reasons, many tied to the unique culture and traditions of the sport. While chewing tobacco was once extremely prevalent and seen as a performance enhancer, the habit has slowly declined yet persists. Players also use spitting to deal with oral fixations, moisten their mouth in dry conditions, and hydrate themselves by getting rid of excess saliva. There is immense social pressure to follow the unwritten rules of the game, including spitting.
Ultimately, spitting has become ingrained in baseball’s culture over decades. While the origins and rationale vary, spitting remains a quirk and signature of America’s national pastime. Players spit for performance, habit, hydration, and tradition – cementing spitting’s place in baseball lore.
