Black Baseball
Fantasy Baseball Superstitions
I’ve often wondered where certain superstitions began. It is generally a universally held belief that a black cat crossing your path is considered bad luck. Where did this idea originate? I had a black cat growing up and it must have crossed my path dozens of times a day and I think I turned out reasonably well. There is also the notion that the number 13 is unlucky. This belief is so widespread that many buildings do not list a 13th floor. Don’t believe me? Next time you are in a high-rise elevator, take a look at the floor buttons. They often go right from 12 to 14. Crazy, but true.
Baseball, it is often said, is a microcosm of life. This is especially true in regard to superstitions. In fact, baseball often has the highest degree of superstitions and superstitious players you will ever find. We all know that it is considered bad luck to mention that a no-hitter is being pitched. This got me wondering if there is a statute of limitations on this superstition. This superstition started with the idea that it was bad luck for the teammates of a pitcher to mention that their pitcher was throwing a no-hitter (especially mentioning it to the pitcher himself). This then took life to also apply to the spectators in the stadium. In today’s world of mass communication, does it really constitute bad luck if someone in Japan tweets that a no-hitter is being thrown by Anibal Sanchez against Washington 7500 miles away?
Baseball players themselves are among the most superstitious inhabitants of the planet Earth. Whether wearing the same socks, eating the same meal or routine batting glove rituals at the plate, ballplayers are an apprehensive bunch to say the least. My personal favourite was a pitcher by the name of Turk Wendell who played in the big leagues from 1993 to 2004. Some of Wendell’s rituals included chewing black licorice while pitching, then brushing his teeth between innings. He would also only pitch while wearing a necklace furnished with mementos of his hunting expeditions. He also refused to step on the baselines and insisted that his contracts end in dollar values of 99 to match his jersey number. Too much.
How does this relate to fantasy? Well fantasy players have superstitions just like anyone else. In my years of fantasy baseball, I’ve heard a few good ones:
- If a pitcher is starting on a particular day, always move him from the P to SP position in your line up.
- If you play in multiple leagues, always be sure to have one player common to all of your rosters.
- Always leave your pitching ace in your starting line up even if he isn’t starting that day.
- Always roster at least one player from your favourite team. (i.e. Must have a Blue Jay)
- Shuffling slumping players in your line up hoping it will break them out of their slump.
- Never draft Dice-K. Oh wait, that’s not superstitious, it’s just good sense.
About the Author
Chris McBrien is a baseball writer and may be found at www.dmfantasy.blogspot.com
Jackie Robinson Was The First Black Baseball Player, Charlie Brown (2010)
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