As American as baseball and ... tobacco?

Guest Editorial by Amanda Hucksoll

Health Education Specialist for Health Systems for a Tobacco Free WNY

With baseball season in full swing, it is a timely opportunity to unravel the complicated history between baseball and tobacco products. 

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in New York state, yet there remains normalization of baseball and tobacco, specifically smokeless products. Smokeless tobacco contains at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals, an important reason that 17 of the 30 MLB stadiums in the U.S. are now tobacco-free.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the devastating effects of tobacco use – effects that far too many athletes continue to face due to the ongoing prevalence of smokeless tobacco in sports. America’s favorite past-time was infiltrated very early on by the tobacco industry. Between the 1920s and 1940s, every major league team had a cigarette or chewing tobacco sponsor. Idolized players like Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio were paid to be the face of tobacco marketing efforts.

This issue is more than just a matter of personal choice; it’s a health care crisis. The long-term consequences of oral cancers, gum disease, tooth loss, and other health complications from smokeless tobacco are devastating. Our health care system faces the burden of treating these diseases, and it is crucial that we work to help current users and prevent new generations of athletes from falling into the same dangerous habits.

The emerging trend of nicotine pouches is especially concerning. These pouches deliver highly addictive nicotine, which can lead to lifelong addiction and serious health consequences. As nicotine pouches gain popularity, there is a real risk that they will replace traditional chewing tobacco, perpetuating the cycle of harm.

As a baseball fan and local tobacco control professional, I find it both ironic and troubling that smokeless tobacco continues to be so ingrained in baseball culture – even with changes the league has made to deemphasize the baseball-tobacco relationship. A tobacco-free baseball culture will save lives.

For help quitting, talk to your health care provider and/or use the New York State Quitline: Text 716-926-4422, or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). A free confidential service is offered for all New York state residents who wish to overcome dependence on commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Support includes coaching and assistance with quit-planning from trained tobacco treatment specialists, text/online chat support and free shipping of stop-smoking medications such as nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges or nicotine gum for those 18 and older.

Health Systems for a Tobacco Free WNY is funded by New York State Tobacco Control with the mission to reduce tobacco-related illness, disability and death and to alleviate the social and economic burden caused by tobacco use in New York state. It is a program of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (https://www.roswellpark.org).