Yes, Major League Baseball players are allowed to chew tobacco during games. However, there are some restrictions in place to discourage the use of smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco and dip among players.
MLB Chewing Tobacco Rules
Here are some of the key rules around chewing tobacco in Major League Baseball:
- Players cannot carry tobacco packages in their uniform pockets or be seen using tobacco during television interviews or appearances.
- Chewing tobacco is banned in minor league baseball.
- Teams cannot provide tobacco products in clubhouses and cannot have oral tobacco-related sponsorship or advertising.
- New players are required to attend educational sessions on the dangers of smokeless tobacco as part of baseball’s Tobacco Cessation Program.
While MLB players are not completely prohibited from using chewing tobacco or dip during games, the league has made efforts to curb usage and highlight health risks. Ultimately, it is up to individual players to decide whether or not they will chew tobacco during games.
Prevalence in Baseball
Chewing tobacco has long been associated with baseball. It used to be extremely common to see baseball players with a noticeable bulge in their cheek or a spit cup in the dugout. Studies showed:
- In 1994, over 40% of MLB players reported using smokeless tobacco.
- In 1998, 36% of MLB players surveyed said they used spit tobacco. Usage was highest among relief pitchers.
- In 2010, the number of MLB players using smokeless tobacco declined to about 32.2%.
While usage rates have gone down over the years due to increased education and regulations, many MLB players continue to use chewing tobacco or dip during games.
Reasons for Use in Baseball
There are several reasons why chewing tobacco became popular among pro baseball players:
- Chewing tobacco can act as a stimulant and provide a perceived performance enhancement by increasing alertness.
- The oral fixation and spitting helps some players relax and concentration during high-pressure games.
- Smokeless tobacco products can curb hunger and be used as a weight control aid for some players.
- Peer influence, as new players often take up the habit from veterans using chewing tobacco.
- Boredom during downtime in the dugout or bullpen can lead players to chew tobacco.
Additionally, baseball players are not allowed to chew gum during games, so some turn to chewing tobacco as an alternative oral fixation. The prohibition on gum is to avoid messy cleanup and interference with field equipment.
Health Effects
While chewing tobacco was once very normalized in baseball, we now know the serious health risks associated with smokeless tobacco products:
- Increased risk of mouth, tongue, cheek, gum, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer
- Higher chance of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack
- Oral health problems like leukoplakia, gum disease, and tooth decay
- Nicotine addiction and dependence
With the increased awareness of these risks, MLB has worked to educate players on the dangers of smokeless tobacco and provide resources to help them quit.
Arguments Around Banning Chewing Tobacco in Baseball
There is ongoing debate around whether MLB should implement a complete ban on smokeless tobacco use by players:
Arguments for banning chewing tobacco
- Improve player health and safety
- Remove tobacco from the influencer and youth baseball environment
- Align with existing tobacco-free MLB policies in the minor leagues and stadiums
- Send a strong message that tobacco use is unhealthy
Arguments against banning chewing tobacco
- Difficult to enforce during games
- May drive usage underground and make it harder for players to get help quitting
- Could be seen as too paternalistic – players are adults who can make own decisions
- May anger the MLB Players Association
While a complete ban has challenges, many health advocates argue the benefits would outweigh any opposition. Some believe a phase-out period would allow players to adjust while still moving forward with restricting tobacco in baseball.
Alternatives for Players
MLB does not plan to implement a chewing tobacco ban at this time but does suggest players use the following tobacco-free alternatives:
- Sugar-free gum
- Sunflower seeds
- Coffee
- Energy bars
- Fruit (like apples)
- Behavior alternatives like drinking water
The MLB Players Association also offers cessation programs to help players quit smokeless tobacco use.
Conclusion
While chewing tobacco was once deeply ingrained in baseball culture, viewpoints have shifted as the serious health risks have become apparent. Players are now discouraged from using smokeless tobacco but are not completely banned at this time. The MLB will likely continue pushing for reduced tobacco usage through educational initiatives and restrictions, especially to protect impressionable youth players. But for now, the choice is left up to individual players to weigh the performance benefits against the clear health risks of continuing to chew tobacco on the field.