Introduction
Chewing tobacco, or dip as it’s also known, has been a part of baseball for many years. Whether it’s on the mound or in the dugout, players have been seen with a pinch of tobacco tucked in their cheek. But as the years have gone on, chewing tobacco has become an increasingly controversial topic in the baseball world. So do baseball players still chew?
History of Chewing Tobacco in Baseball
Chewing tobacco has had a long and storied history in baseball. It’s believed that the first ballplayers to use it were the Cincinnati Reds in the 1870s, and it quickly spread to other teams. By the early 1900s, it had become a staple of the game. Players would often be seen with a pinch of tobacco tucked in their cheek while they played.
In the 1950s and 1960s, chewing tobacco became even more popular. Players of all ages were using it, from the veterans to the rookies. It was seen as a sign of toughness and was seen as a way to relax during games.
Health Concerns
However, as the health concerns associated with chewing tobacco became more and more apparent, things began to change. In the 1970s, the American Dental Association issued a statement condemning the use of chewing tobacco, citing its numerous health risks. These health risks included an increased risk of mouth cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay.
The Major League Baseball Players Association also began to take notice. In the late 1980s, they issued a statement that discouraged players from using chewing tobacco, citing the health risks. This was a major step forward in the fight against chewing tobacco in the Major Leagues.
MLB Ban on Chewing Tobacco
In 1991, Major League Baseball took a major step forward in the fight against chewing tobacco. They issued a ban on chewing tobacco in the dugouts, bullpens, and on the field. This was a significant move, as it effectively outlawed the use of chewing tobacco while players were playing.
However, this ban was not without its critics. Players argued that it was an infringement on their personal freedom, and some even argued that it would put them at a competitive disadvantage. Despite this, the ban stayed in place.
Impact of the Ban
The ban had a major impact on the usage of chewing tobacco in the Major Leagues. After the ban was put in place, the number of players using chewing tobacco began to drop drastically. By the mid-90s, the use of chewing tobacco had decreased significantly, and players were rarely seen with a pinch of tobacco tucked in their cheek.
The ban also had a major impact on minor league baseball. In 1993, the Minor League Baseball Association followed suit and issued its own ban on chewing tobacco. This effectively outlawed the use of chewing tobacco in minor league baseball as well.
Chewing Tobacco Today
Today, the use of chewing tobacco in baseball is a fraction of what it was in the past. Although it’s still used by some players, it’s nowhere near as popular as it once was. Players are now more likely to use other forms of tobacco, such as smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
In addition, there have been major efforts to educate players on the dangers of chewing tobacco. Organizations such as the Taylor Hooton Foundation and the Baseball Assistance Team have been working to spread awareness about the dangers of chewing tobacco and to help players quit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the use of chewing tobacco in baseball has declined significantly over the years. Although it is still used by some players, it is nowhere near as popular as it once was. Major efforts have been made to educate players on the dangers of chewing tobacco and to help them quit. Ultimately, it is up to the players to decide if they want to use tobacco or not, but it is clear that the days of chewing tobacco in the Major Leagues are long gone.