This Friday the 13th of December in the year 2024 has us thinking about superstitions. And when it comes to off-center beliefs about made up mojo, baseball players take the cake.
Truly, baseball is as much about rituals and routines as it is about hitting and pitching. For decades, players have developed quirky habits to ward off bad luck or invite good fortune. Some of these superstitions are downright bizarre, but in the high-pressure world of Major League Baseball, anything that works is fair game. Here are five of the weirdest superstitions in the sport:
1. Turk Wendell’s Dental Routine
Former MLB pitcher Turk Wendell took superstition to a new level. Between innings, Wendell would brush his teeth in the dugout. But that wasn’t all—he also chewed black licorice while pitching and made sure to leap over the foul line every time he entered or exited the field. His quirky habits were as much a part of his persona as his fastball.
2. Wade Boggs’ Chicken Obsession
Hall of Famer Wade Boggs believed that eating chicken before every game was the key to his success. Known as the “Chicken Man,” Boggs even compiled a cookbook of chicken recipes to keep his pregame meals interesting. Whether it was fried, grilled, or baked, chicken fueled his stellar career.
3. Moisés Alou’s Hands-On Approach
Former outfielder Moisés Alou famously skipped wearing batting gloves, but his superstition took an odd twist—he reportedly urinated on his hands to toughen them up and improve his grip on the bat. While not scientifically proven, it was a habit Alou swore by throughout his career.
4. Jason Giambi’s Gold Thong
Slumps happen to every player, but Jason Giambi had a unique way of breaking out of them: a lucky gold thong. He claimed that wearing it under his uniform brought good luck at the plate. What’s even stranger? Teammates borrowed it during their slumps—and some said it worked!
5. Justin Verlander’s Taco Tradition
Pitcher Justin Verlander swears by his pregame meal: Taco Bell. Before every start, Verlander reportedly indulges in a very specific order from the fast-food chain. It may not be the healthiest ritual, but with his career achievements, who’s to argue?
Baseball is a game of precision and skill, but for many players, it’s also a game of rituals and beliefs. Whether these superstitions actually improve performance or simply calm the nerves, they’re an undeniable part of the sport’s rich history.