Professional Baseball and Smokers on the Field: A Historical Perspective

Professionally, baseball players have not only participated in the game but have also engaged in various on-field and off-field activities. One interesting aspect of baseball history involves players smoking cigarettes on the field. While it is less common today, this practice was widespread in the early to mid-20th century. Popular players like Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth were known to partake in this activity.

Smoking in the Early Days of Baseball

During the early to mid-20th century, smoking was commonly accepted in many aspects of life, including professional sports. In the dugouts of major league ballparks, it was not uncommon to see players either in the dugout smoking or on the field during breaks between innings.

Some notable players, such as Babe Ruth, were often seen with a cigar in their mouth. However, attitudes towards smoking have since changed significantly, and it has become increasingly uncommon and socially unacceptable in professional sports. Contemporary major leagues have strict policies against smoking in and around the field.

Notable Players and Smoking

Mickey Mantle, a legendary player for the New York Yankees, was known to smoke during games, as well as Babe Ruth. In the 19th century, an outfielder named “The King” Kelly was also known to partake in smoking. These early practices reflect a time when smoking was more socially acceptable.

However, by the 1990s, smoking in baseball had become less common. Jim Fregosi, the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, was even criticized by the press for smoking in the tunnel leading from the clubhouse to the dugout, a practice that had been banned at Veterans Stadium.

Is Smoking on the Field Allowed?

Weighting whether smoking on the field was legal within the rules, the answer is more complex. While there is no official rule against on-field smoking, it is certainly against the team's and league's policies today. In the past, players often did not face consequences for such behavior, as it was more socially accepted.

Other players, such as Keith Hernandez of the St. Louis Cardinals and Mets, were known to smoke in the tunnel leading to the dugout. Sammy Stewart, a relief pitcher for the Mets, would also smoke as he waited in the bullpen. Nevertheless, there are no reports of players actually smoking on the field during a game. The dugout was as close as they would get to the playing field.

Conclusion

The history of smoking in baseball is a fascinating glimpse into the social norms of the past. As society's attitudes toward smoking have evolved, so too have the rules and expectations within professional sports. While today's players may find it harder to justify on-field smoking, it was a widespread practice in the early and mid-20th century.

If you have any more questions or stories about smoking in baseball, feel free to comment below. We're always interested in learning more about this unique aspect of baseball history.

References

[1] Prominent Baseball Players and Smoking, Reference Link 1

[2] Historical Accounts of Baseball Smoking, Reference Link 2

[3] Regulations and Policies Against On-Field Smoking, Reference Link 3