Why constant chewing of something has become a compulsory habit for Baseball players ?

Question

Whenever I watch Baseball league matches on TV, I always confuse to see almost all players including the coach, manager, and umpires keeping themselves in chewing something. Is this a rule?

Answer 1

chewing helps concentration.

Answer 2

It is definitely part of the "culture" of baseball, but there are legitimate roots for all the chewing and spitting.

Remember that baseball is a summer sport and that most leagues up to the low minors still play mostly day games. There is no clock in baseball...If you're pitcher's getting rocked, you're stuck baking in the sun. Your mouth gets so dry that you feel like you're throat is swelling up. Chewing gum helps keep your mouth moist.

As for the spitting, anyone who hasn't actually played might be surprised to know how much dust and dirt you inhale. Dive for a ball or slide into a base, you got a coating of red clay dust on your tongue. Also, you'll notice a lot of fielders lick their fingertips...This is to improve their grip, but again you're also licking up more dirt and dust. No one likes to swallow dirt, so you spit it out.

Since most major leaguers start playing when they're pretty young, I think the chewing and spitting just becomes second nature and they keep doing it when they become coaches and managers.

Answer 3

It hasnt "become" a bad habit, baseball tradition has always incorparated the bad habit of chewing tobacco in the game ever since it was created.

Answer 4

sometimes, while playing the field, the game can be slow and a little boring, in other sports, players are much more active, while in baseball, chewing gum/tobacco/seeds can help pass the time

Answer 5

it gets boring as hell being at the park for like 8 hours on gameday and there is a lot of sitting around. this seems to be the best way to spend the time, since they can not smoke cigarettes and cigars like they used to in the dugout.

Answer 6

It keeps their mouths moist. Nobody wants to be out on the field feeling thirsty.

Answer 7

To calm their nerves? it can be quite stressful..

Answer 8

Because it's cool...