Baseball is a game steeped in tradition and history, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of strange and quirky stories to be found throughout the annals of Major League Baseball. From weird rituals and superstitions to bizarre injuries and medical issues, here are some fun facts about MLB you might not know!
Weird Rituals and Superstitions
One of the most famous examples of baseball superstition comes from Hall-of-Famer Wade Boggs. For years, Boggs insisted on eating chicken before every game, taking exactly 150 ground balls during batting practice, and drawing the word “Chai” (meaning “life”) in the dirt before each at-bat. And he wasn’t alone – many players have their own unique pregame routines or superstitions they swear by.
Bizarre Injuries and Medical Issues
There have been plenty of unusual injuries over the years in Major League Baseball. One particularly memorable example came when pitcher Dave Dravecky was hit in the arm by a line drive while warming up in the bullpen. The injury eventually led to cancer and required amputation of his throwing arm. Another odd injury occurred when outfielder George Brett had an infected pimple removed from his nose just hours before a playoff game against the Yankees. Despite the painful procedure, Brett went on to hit .375 in the series.
Unusual Career Milestones and Records
Some of the strangest records in baseball involve unlikely feats accomplished over long periods of time. Take for instance, former catcher Tony Pena, who played for 20 seasons without ever hitting into a double play. Or how about pitcher Steve Sparks, who once threw a complete game shutout despite walking nine batters? Then there’s Hank Aaron, whose final career home run came as a pinch hitter at age 45, making him the oldest player to homer in major league history.
Strange Events and Incidents
From rain delays caused by swarming bees to umpires getting struck by lightning, there have been plenty of strange events that have taken place during MLB games over the years. Perhaps one of the most bizarre incidents involved a game between the White Sox and Tigers in which two separate fans were injured by foul balls within minutes of each other. Both were rushed to the hospital where they later died.
Quirky Personalities and Anecdotes
Finally, there are countless quirky personalities and anecdotes associated with Major League Baseball. Consider pitcher Dock Ellis, who famously claimed to have thrown a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD. Or how about the time manager Casey Stengel sent a mule onto the field during a game because he thought it would bring good luck? There’s also the story of first baseman Keith Hernandez, who once caught a ball using only his mustache after being distracted by a hot dog vendor. These stories and more make Major League Baseball one of the most fascinating sports leagues in history.