That’s the Way the Ball Bounces

by Austin Bates

Baseball Rituals

Whether it be for good luck, or a superstition or habit, it's apparent that the game of baseball is full of rituals and routines. From lucky pre-game meals to unwashed jockstraps, baseball players, big or small, go to great lengths to acquire victory for their team. For the common fan, these rituals are both fascinating and entertaining, even though some may be stranger than others.

Most players have some kind of ritual. Mine for instance, is touching the plate with my bat before every at bat, a habit I picked up from my mother. But the more interesting rituals are found by watching professional baseball. Dodgers' player Nomar Garciaparra's batting routine includes a series of tugs and pulls, un-strapping and re-strapping his batting gloves between every pitch. Who knows what would happen if he didn't follow this exact routine?

A batter's worst fear is the dreaded slump. Going game after game without a hit or contributing to your team, can be a real confidence killer. Jason Giambi has had his share of slumps throughout his 13-year career. But he claims to have a cure, a remedy that, in his words, "works every time." What is this miraculous cure that pulled this veteran out of the biggest of slumps? It all lies in the underwear. Giambi owns a golden thong that he dons only when he's suffering from the most vicious of slumps. As if that's not enough, he even shares it with his teammates when they are in need. Derek Jeter also swears by the thong: "I was 0-32, and I hit a homer on the first pitch. That's the only time I've worn it, though." Jeter also claimed that he wore it over his shorts. Giambi has a 23.4-million-dollar 2008 salary. This makes him the second-highest-paid player in the majors. Looks like the thong's done him well.

Renowned pitcher Curt Schilling has a few superstitions of is own—maybe the most notable being his dance with the baselines. When coming on or off the field, Schilling refuses to step on the baseline, often hopping over it. Schilling also had one of the most heart-tugging rituals of them all when he pitched for the Phillies. It was his first year in the Major Leagues, and his father, Cliff Schilling, had just passed away. In memory of his dad, mentor, and friend, Schilling had a ticket saved for him at every game, so there would be an empty seat in the stands.

The most frequently seen ritual from teams I've been a part of has been the refusal to wash some part of a uniform—a jersey, hat, socks or jockstrap—I've seen it all. However, as the season wears on, these players tend to get more and more, let's say, fragrant. If you participate in sports, body odor isn't usually a problem. I guess you just get used to it. But after ten—maybe twelve—games, the athletes who have this ritual are just plain putrid!

In the scheme of things, baseball is a reflection of life. There are many rituals or superstitions that people do on a day-to-day basis. Some pray before meals, others may carry a lucky charm around with them. When it comes down to it, these rituals are as much a part of the game as arguing with the umpire over a bad call. It doesn't matter if your chosen ritual is unusual, strange, or wearing something rank. The bottom line is, is just has to work for you.

Feedback regarding Austin's articles may be sent c/o Steve Candello, at stevec@jkpsports.com.