According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word
superstition is defined as
”
a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the
unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of
causation.
”
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word superstition is defined as “a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation.”
As modern, advanced people, most of us are not influenced much by superstitions, although we still may occasionally go out of our way to avoid black cats and walking under ladders, just to be on the safe side. Many consider superstitions irrational, outdated and even a bit strange.
Not so for athletes, especially baseball players. Superstitions have a long history in baseball and have become part of the unique culture and charm of the game. For example, Wade Boggs was well known for his quirky superstitions, including his refusal to eat anything except chicken on game days. He quickly earned the nickname “Chicken Man” throughout the league. Former Tigers pitching star Mark Fidrych developed the unusual habit of talking to the baseball between every pitch. As a player, Mike Hargrove became known as the “Human Rain Delay” because of the elaborate choreography he developed for himself at home plate. He regularly took three practice swings before stepping into the batter’s box. Once he got to the plate, he would adjust his batting gloves, pants, sleeves and helmet before getting ready to swing.
In the last few years, I’ve become superstitious myself. I have no explanation why. It just happened, like some sort of natural progression in my development as a baseball player. My superstition involves Gillette Fusion and Gillette Foam shaving cream.
As long as our team is on a winning streak, I refuse to shave. As soon as we suffer a loss, however, the beard must come off and it must come off with the help of my Gillette Fusion. In addition, before every game I have to put a lucky hair tie on my wrist and tap my cleats together three times before I take the field. I am not alone in my preference for behavior.
On game days, fellow GHS athlete Lauryn Chris listens to the same songs, uses the same hair tie, and wears her lucky pair of sandals to school. Like me, Chris cannot explain why she does these things.
“They are just part of how I prepare myself to be competitive and help my team be successful.”
Sophomore catcher Lukas Fortino and junior first baseman Angelica Galindo are on the opposite side of the tracks when it comes to superstitions. According to Fortino, “I don’t really have any superstitions because it’s more of a rhythm thing for me. As I walk up to the plate I do certain things to get comfortable but nothing exactly the same every time.”
Galindo is equally reluctant to put her faith in superstitious rituals. “As athletes we have to learn to put our failures behind us because everything that occurs has a reason. It is just up to us to go with the flow and learn from our trials and tribulations. Because of that I don’t focus on little things getting in my way like superstitions.”
For me, as an athlete, superstitions add another dimension to baseball that both players and fans can enjoy. The game is all about finding the zone and feeling comfortable. Superstitions can help athletes feel more confident and in control. Who knows if they actually improve how we play, but they sure make the sport more interesting.
For now, I’m sticking with my Gillette Fusion, just to be on the safe side.
