A peculiar tradition in baseball in the United States is that some players chew tobacco during games.
The origins of this practice go back to the very birth of baseball, in the mid-19th century.
Back then, many Americans had a habit of chewing tobacco, after they rejected certain English innovations, such as inhaling it.
Baseball players found chewing tobacco particularly useful, since doing so produced more saliva, and this was used to moisten the ball and gloves on earthy playing fields.
Although the practice of salivating the ball was banned in 1920, the use of chewy tobacco prevailed until the 1950s, when tobacco companies began sponsoring some baseball players to advertise their cigarettes.
The old habit returned in the 70s, when smoking began to be related to some health problems.
Currently, the practice of chewing tobacco is still in force, although it has been prohibited in minor leagues and universities. This custom has been defended by the professional players union, thus allowing the continuation of a particular tradition in the Major Leagues.
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