Why Do Baseball Players Chew Gum? – Bubble Gum Baseball

You will quickly see the moments of baseball players chewing gum while he is playing. The action is entirely regular and meaningful. So why do MLB players chew baseball gum?

Besides a habit, players chew baseball bubble gum because of many reasons. Chewing bubble gum helps them improve concentration, prevent dry out, reduce stress, etc.

This article will cover the specific reasons why baseball players chew gum and the official bubble gum of MLB. Let’s dive in with Scott Fujita!

There are many reasons that make MLB chew gum in the game.

Why Do Baseball Players Chew Bubble Gum Baseball?

Besides a habit, players chew baseball bubble gum because of many reasons. Chewing baseball bubble gum helps them improve concentration, prevent dry out, reduce stress, and so on

Have you ever watched Major League Baseball players chew gum while practicing or playing games on TV?

There may be many people scowling and saying, “impolite.” But in fact, they are making good use of the benefits of “gum” to improve work efficiency.

View more: Oldest baseball stadium

1. Chewing Tobacco Substitute

MLB bans players from chewing tobacco during the baseball game and clubhouses. Therefore, players need to look for something to chew as a habit. And that chewing bubble baseball gum is a safe alternative. 

On the other hand, chewing baseball bubble gum makes players more alert and focused during baseball games.

2. Improve Concentration and Situational Judgment

In competitive sports, some situations require immediate judgment. In this case, in addition to agility, the brain also needs to be sharp. At this time, chewing gum will help improve blood circulation and improve concentration and judgment.

The act of chewing can stimulate the activity of the nerves in the brain. When the jaw muscles work continuously, the amount of blood pumped to the heart and brain is “improved.” The blood then carries oxygen to the nervous system.

From there, many players will feel more alert, more focused and increase their ability to react in emergencies.

Not only that, but chewing baseball gumballs also helps improve heart rate and blood pressure. Chewing gum helps them make accurate judgments and make better decisions in competition.

For coaches, chewing baseball gumballs can help them respond more quickly to changes in the game. Chewing gum can help athletes and coaches think more clearly and make fewer mistakes in stressful situations.

Chewing can stimulate the activity of the nerves in the brain.

3. Prevents Dry Mouth and Removes the Taste of Dirt

Coaches and players constantly had to shout to give instructions. It is even more difficult for players because they are in the field, so they cannot drink water continuously.

Therefore, if players exercise for a long time, the body will quickly lose water, leading to dry mouth, chapped lips, and fatigue.

Chewing sugar-free gum helps them combat this feeling. Chewing gum stimulates a continuous flow of saliva. It helps to remove food particles stuck around the mouth and teeth.

At the same time, it also makes the player’s oral cavity more humid. Even chewing gum can prevent tooth decay. Specifically, they are chewing gum containing xylitol such as One gum, Icebreakers, Stride, Trident, or Orbit gum.

Related:

• MVR baseball
• Baseball drills

4. Reduce Anxiety and Stress During Competition

Before every game, everyone seems to have some anxiety, not except the players or their coach.

It would be greater if there were a way to help them relieve this feeling quickly while maintaining the highest performance.

According to experts, chewing gum can reduce stress levels significantly. The reason is that when chewing baseball gum, blood flow to the brain increases. It causes the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol – an anti-stress hormone, which helps relieve stress.

Chewing on a stick of gum is the simplest way to regain your composure and improve your concentration levels.

5. Chewing to Blow Bubbles

Blowing bubbles is, for some people, a contest to see who can blow the giant bubbles. Sometimes blowing bubbles involves a bit of superstition before a pitch.

Blowing bubbles is a fun.

6. Just A Habit

The act of chewing baseball gum by ballplayers is sometimes a habit. Many people around them chew gum, and they do the same.

If not chewing bubble gum, some people may choose other forms. Therefore, the players feel more comfortable having something to chew instead of having an “empty mouth”.

Let’s see some chewing gum moments of MLB players in their games via this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plQx7Ng1TWQ

What Kind of Gum Do Baseball Players Chew?

What gum do baseball players chew?

Big League Chew (BLC) is an official bubble gum brand created by left-handed pitcher Rob Nelson. He is a former left-handed pitcher, and he loves chewing gum. 

Big League Chew started with Nelson’s idea when he couldn’t use tobacco and needed an alternative. 

Big League Chew.

1977 was the first year the foundation for this brand in the Portland Mavericks bullpen with humble beginnings. The iconic pouches packed with shredded, flavorful bubble gum became popular in the years that followed.

It became the preferred chewing gum for all groups. To date, about 800 million pouches have been “sold.”

Below are some non-official bubble gum brands that big leaguers often use:

• Bubblicious.
• Dubble Bubble Original Bubble Gum.
• Quench Gum.
• Hubba Bubba.
• Bubble Yum.

Do Baseball Players Spit?

With the phasing out of smokeless tobacco, many MLB players spit during the game out of habit. 

Some MLB ballplayers spit out the sunflower seeds shell when chewing them. Other players spit out of habit from dipping.

Final Thoughts

The chewing of baseball gum took place with the development of baseball. Chewing gum is a safe and effective way to phase out smokeless tobacco from the game efforts.