10 Strange Beliefs of Baseball Players in the 1800s

Baseball is a sport that has a long history and tradition. Many players and fans have their own rituals and superstitions that they believe can influence the outcome of the game. Some of these superstitions are common and well-known, such as not stepping on the foul line, not mentioning a no-hitter, or wearing the same socks for every game. However, some of the superstitions that baseball players had in the 19th century were much more bizarre and unusual. Here are 10 examples of the strange beliefs that baseball players in the 1800s had.

10. Wearing a Cabbage Leaf Under the Cap

Playing baseball in the summer heat can be exhausting and uncomfortable. To cope with the high temperatures, some players in the 19th century had a peculiar habit of wearing a cabbage leaf under their cap. They believed that the cabbage leaf would keep them cool and prevent sunstroke. Some players would even soak the cabbage leaf in vinegar or ice water before putting it on their head. One of the most famous players who wore a cabbage leaf under his cap was Old Hoss Radbourn, who won 59 games in 1884.

9. Avoiding the Color Yellow

Yellow is a bright and cheerful color, but not for some baseball players in the 19th century. They considered yellow to be a sign of bad luck and misfortune. They avoided wearing anything yellow, such as uniforms, caps, socks, or shoes. They also avoided using yellow bats or balls, or playing on fields that had yellow flowers or grass. One of the reasons why yellow was feared by some players was because it was associated with jaundice, a liver disease that could be fatal at the time.

8. Carrying a Rabbit’s Foot or a Four-Leaf Clover

Some baseball players in the 19th century believed that carrying a lucky charm could help them win the game. Two of the most popular lucky charms were a rabbit’s foot and a four-leaf clover. A rabbit’s foot was believed to bring good luck because rabbits were considered to be fast and agile animals. A four-leaf clover was believed to bring good luck because it was a rare and special plant. Some players would keep these lucky charms in their pockets, gloves, or shoes. One of the most famous players who carried a lucky charm was Cap Anson, who had a gold watch with a four-leaf clover engraved on it.

7. Eating Turkey Before a Game

Some baseball players in the 19th century had a specific diet that they followed before a game. They believed that eating certain foods could enhance their performance and stamina. One of the most common foods that they ate was turkey. Turkey was believed to be a good source of protein and energy. It was also believed to be a light and easy-to-digest meal. Some players would eat turkey for breakfast, lunch, and dinner before a game. One of the most famous players who ate turkey before a game was King Kelly, who was known for his hitting and baserunning skills.

6. Spitting on the Hands or the Bat

Spitting is a common habit among baseball players, but some players in the 19th century had a special reason for doing it. They believed that spitting on their hands or their bat could improve their grip and swing. They also believed that spitting could ward off evil spirits and curses that could affect their game. Some players would spit on their hands before every pitch, or on their bat before every at-bat. One of the most famous players who spat on his bat was Dan Brouthers, who was one of the greatest hitters of his era.

5. Wearing Red Underwear

Red is a color that symbolizes passion, courage, and power. Some baseball players in the 19th century believed that wearing red underwear could give them these qualities and help them win the game. They believed that red underwear could boost their confidence and aggression, and intimidate their opponents. They also believed that red underwear could protect them from injuries and illnesses. Some players would wear red underwear for every game, or only for important games. One of the most famous players who wore red underwear was Billy Sunday, who later became a famous evangelist.

4. Touching Second Base on the Way to the Outfield

Some baseball players in the 19th century had a ritual that they performed before taking the field. They believed that touching second base on the way to the outfield could bring them good luck and prevent errors. They believed that second base was a special and sacred spot on the field, and that touching it could connect them with the spirit of the game. Some players would touch second base with their hand, foot, or glove. One of the most famous players who touched second base on the way to the outfield was Nap Lajoie, who was one of the best second basemen of all time.

3. Not Shaving or Cutting the Hair

Some baseball players in the 19th century believed that their facial hair and hair length could affect their game. They believed that not shaving or cutting their hair could give them more strength and skill. They also believed that shaving or cutting their hair could cause them to lose their talent and luck. Some players would grow long beards, mustaches, or hair, and never trim them. One of the most famous players who did not shave or cut his hair was Charlie Sweeney, who struck out 19 batters in a game in 1884.

2. Not Changing the Shirt

Some baseball players in the 19th century believed that their shirt could influence their game. They believed that not changing their shirt could help them maintain their momentum and success. They also believed that changing their shirt could break their streak and cause them to lose. Some players would wear the same shirt for every game, or only change it when they lost. They would also avoid washing their shirt, as they believed that doing so could wash away their luck. One of the most famous players who did not change his shirt was Cy Young, who won 511 games in his career.

1. Not Crossing the Bats

Some baseball players in the 19th century believed that their bats could have a mind of their own. They believed that crossing the bats could anger them and make them perform poorly. They also believed that not crossing the bats could please them and make them perform well. Some players would arrange their bats in a parallel or circular fashion, and never let them touch or cross each other. They would also avoid stepping on or over the bats, as they believed that doing so could offend them. One of the most famous players who did not cross the bats was Honus Wagner, who was one of the greatest hitters of all time.