Spit Spit Spit Spit Chew Spit Spit Chew Spit......

[mechtech2]

No where else in normal life or any other sport does the practice of constant spitting occur.
It was hard to watch the World Series because of this - it got actually offensive.
Yes, I know that this is a learned practice to show how manly you are in Pro Baseball.
Did anyone else notice how bad it has evolved to?

 

[Kestas]

I too find it hard to watch. I wonder how many people change the channel because of this, but would otherwise enjoy watching baseball.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

YouTube video, Naked Gun baseball spitting spoof

1:10 into the video humorously makes the point of too much spitting going in the dugout and on the diamond.

 

[CivicFan]

I find it disgusting, too.

 

[Jethro]

I remember in an old SNES game called Earthbound, there is this gang member in an arcade and he says "Spit Spit Saliva Spit Spit.... Do you want some chewing gum?" It's interesting, since baseball was a huge theme in that game.

 

[moribundman]

Quote:

---

Yes, I know that this is a learned practice to show how manly you are in Pro Baseball.

---

So it's an example of Freudian psychology?

By the way, I never see any player, coach or manager ever put sunflower seeds (?) in their mouth, but see them only spew debris and copious amount of saliva. I guess some chicks dig it.

 

[Shannow]

mechtech, guess you've never seen a footballer take a leak on field before then.

 

[GMGuy]

They don't show those shennanigans on t.v.

Alex.

 

[tom slick]

It's interesting how chewing tobacco, spitting, and baseball were together long before pro baseball or TV was invented but society has changed and we now find the tobacco usage unacceptable. I don't think it evolved, I think we just notice what used to be considered normal.

 

[moribundman]

What's the origin of the need to chew and spit? Is it because this particular sport is so boring with players mostly standing around? Is it because all the players coincidentally suffer from dry mouth? What!?

 

[Jethro]

It's all the dust in the air. Seriously, you don't want to swallow that.

 

[TallPaul]

Originally Posted By: Jethro
It's all the dust in the air. Seriously, you don't want to swallow that.
No, not with all the spittle that over the years has mixed into the dirt that generates the dust.

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
It's interesting how chewing tobacco, spitting, and baseball were together long before pro baseball or TV was invented but society has changed and we now find the tobacco usage unacceptable. I don't think it evolved, I think we just notice what used to be considered normal.

I don't think that's true. You didn't see it on TV say 30+ years ago. The amount of spitting has increased in proportion to the salaries and disdain for the fans (by the players)

 

[Shannow]

Al,
have had similar discussions with my father over the years WRT Aussie Rules football.

Back when the sport was at it's highest relative point, there were 16 year old prodigies dragged in from rural area recruiting, running the length of the field, displaying remarkable ball skills, "flying dutchmen" (nickname), leaping 5 feet into the air to win a mark (or crash).

At the time, all of these guys had "real jobs", the prodigy was a landscape gardener, and his fitness regime involved moving barrows of dirt and gravel across his customer's yard. His captain and (brother) ruckman worked the family farm, throwing hay bails.

They were great athletes, but relied on off the field income...they were role models.

Now their "equivalents" earn hundred of thousands a year, have nothing to do except a few hours of training per week, gym time, and a few games...then there's a whole lot of time left over for the bad behaviour etc.

Never will we see the sportsmen of 25 years ago.

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
Al,
have had similar discussions with my father over the years WRT Aussie Rules football.
Now their "equivalents" earn hundred of thousands a year, have nothing to do except a few hours of training per week, gym time, and a few games...then there's a whole lot of time left over for the bad behaviour etc.

Never will we see the sportsmen of 25 years ago.

Yea..with money comes arrogance. Unfortunately a brain doesn't always come with a body capable of performing to the level that commands the big money. Whereas people that use their brain to get the big money are more than likely to be a better kettle of fish (sometimes).

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Alfonso Soriano constantly spits. I wonder what his floor looks like at home.

 

[TallPaul]

Oh yeah. I've seen one of these guys spit on the floor in the indoor batting cage.

I read that in the old days, before the spitball was banned, some would really slobber up the ball, some even with tobacco juice to make it harder to see. Then there were the guys who spit tobacco juice in their gloves to help break them in.

 

[MrCritical]

At least the crotch grabbing isn't offensive.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Originally Posted By: MrCritical
At least the crotch grabbing isn't offensive.


But the accidental full-posterior shot of the 3rd base coach IS!

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: moribundman
What's the origin of the need to chew and spit? Is it because this particular sport is so boring with players mostly standing around? Is it because all the players coincidentally suffer from dry mouth? What!?


Swallowing dip doesn't work out too well for most people (though some can do it).