So you’ve probably heard about it by now: the city of Chicago has approved a new law banning chewing tobacco at sporting events.
You should also know – if you’re not oblivious to baseball surroundings – that chewing tobacco is very common among baseball players, especially ones in the majors.
As expected, some Chicago Cubs are not very happy with this new law.
SI released a piece using quotes from players on this issue, and new Cubs pitcher John Lackey was forward with his response. “We’re grown men. People in the stands can have a beer, but we can’t do what we want? That’s a little messed up,” Lackey said.
It is actually pretty ridiculous. I’m not one of those baseball fans that think all old-school rules should continue. However, this really doesn’t harm anyone.
To my surprise, and maybe to yours, Chicago isn’t the first city to pass this type of law. It becomes the fourth city, behind Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco who will be enforcing this.
The fines are pretty minimal – mind you, for a professional baseball player earning millions of dollars – but could be extreme for a typical fan attending a game. A fine of $250 will be assessed for the first offense, with a second offense costing the offender $500. Each offense thereafter will be at least $2,500.
I repeat: this doesn’t hurt anyone by players, or even fans, to chew tobacco and properly spit in a cup. Why the city, or any of the other cities, found it necessary to put such a restriction on sporting evens specifically is kind of mind-boggling.
Joe Maddon also gave some input, and his response should be no surprise to you. “I’m into personal freedoms. I don’t understand the point with all that…I’m not into over-legislating the human race, so for me I’ll just have to listen and learn.”
I’m sure it won’t take long for the Cubs players to get over this, but I understand their complaints. It really isn’t a big deal whatsoever, but I would probably complain about something like that, too.
