As the late great Hall of Famer Yogi Berra once said, "Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical."
Baseball is an incredibly tough mental game and confidence can make or break a player no matter their natural talent.
Players strive for that mental edge however they can get it, often resorting to the supernatural. Hey, whatever works, right?
As a result, baseball is home to dozens of odd superstitions passed down over the decades, ranging from playful to downright critical.
Here are 20 of baseball's biggest superstitions, because even the most realistic ballplayers are at least a little-stitious
1
No Hitter
If a pitcher is throwing a no hitter, you better not mention it. If you do, it’s your fault when it doesn’t happen.
2
Stay Hot Underwear
If you’re doing well, you better keep wearing the same underwear you’ve been wearing. Don’t wash them either.
3
Slump Busting Underwear
In a slump? Try wearing some women’s lingerie under your uniform.
4
Dugout Movement
If your team starts scoring runs, you have to keep sitting exactly where you are. If they’re not, get up and move!
5
Hat Consistency
Some players refuse to change their hats year on year.
6
Don’t Play Catch on the Infield
All solo pre-game warmups must occur in the outfield.
7
Bat Licking
Lick your bat to give it some more life.
8
No Pre-Game Action
If you get some sexual action pre-game, you’re set up for a bad say.
9
Don’t Step on the Chalk
You heard me.
10
Rally Cap
Turn your hat inside out to create a rally.
11
Sleeping With Equipment
Richie Ashburn famously slept with old bats. Sleeping with your bat builds connection.
12
Playoff Beards
Once you make the playoffs, that’s it for personal grooming.
13
Timing is Key
Wade Boggs famously took batting practice at 5:17 pm before every game. He also took exactly 150 ground balls before every game.
14
Blister Relief
Some players urinate on their hands to allegedly help blisters heal.
15
Socks
Mark Teixeira often wore two different pairs of socks after having a good game where he accidentally did so.
16
Naming Bats
Some players like to name their bats to give them personality.
17
Not Watching
Many general managers famously don’t watch parts of their teams’ games, trying not to “jinx” anything.
18
Chicken
Matt Garza reportedly ate Popeyes chicken before all of his starts.
19
Special Restaurant
Cubs player Ryan Dempster regulated the same Italian restaurant before most games.
20
Good Luck Fans
Pedro Martinez once brought 2’4” tall actor Nelson De La Rosa into the dugout for good luck.
