By Mouser the King Cat
The issue of secondhand smoke in the government’s ceaseless
war against tobacco, a legal product, has merit. Now some jurisdictions are
cracking down on smokeless tobacco, at baseball stadiums no less. Taking a
pinch between cheek and gum or chewing now runs counter to municipal ordinances
at Fenway Park in Boston, AT&T Park in San Francisco and Dodger Stadium in
L.A.
Players who
dip or chew should be advised that this movement is gaining momentum. From The
Associated Press: Similar legislation has been
proposed in New York City, and both the Mets and Yankees say they back such a
ban at their parks. In Toronto, a city legislator said … he plans to pursue a
ban that would cover the Blue Jays' stadium. The letter being distributed to
players on 40-man rosters and teams this spring says: "Please note that these
are city ordinances and not rules established by Major League Baseball.
However, the commissioner's office will be monitoring players and club
personnel for compliance with the regulations."
Baseball
enforces a prohibition on dipping and chewing in the minor leagues. It has not
been extended to the majors because the players’ union objects. From Curbed Los
Angeles: Cubs relief
pitcher James Russell doesn't believe tobacco bans will stop him from dipping
and boasts, "It's not like they can tell us not to do it." Cubs catcher David
Ross doesn't even chew tobacco, but is worried about the effects of the ban on
teammates who have made chew a part of their playing routine, saying "it's hard
to tell somebody what tools they can take to their work."
Mr. Ross, 39 and in his final season as a player, will
manage in the majors; may the nanny-statists’ war on secondhand spit be settled
when he gets there.
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