Sports Superstitions
by Kelly S. Croslis

October is the one month where superstition takes precedence in many conversations. Is it a black cat that scares you? Or not having a lucky charm at an important moment in your life? Superstitions are not exclusive to October and Halloween ?C just ask a professional/high school/or college sports player. Superstition is the name of the game and is taken very seriously.

Athletes believe that certain rituals can enhance their game, whether it is by accident or not. In baseball, it could be bad luck to touch the foul line, or a base when running off the field. Or for good luck, some players have been known to talk to their bat or even sleep with it. In football, there may be a favorite meal, or special socks. One of the most known stories of superstition belongs to Michael Jordan who wore his North Carolina shorts under his uniform, every game. He believed they brought him luck.

Now, before you call these athletes crazy, they are not the only ones who go by superstition. Managers believe in it also, wearing the same shirt or hat at every game. Then there are the fans and the superstitions that they believe in, and most find true. If a pitcher is pitching no-hitter going, never say so ?C it is believe it will jinx him and the no-hitter will be over. In the same way, if a team is winning, it is best to not mention it ?C or they will lose.

One of the greatest superstitions in baseball, the Boston Red Sox were believed to be cursed because Babe Ruth was traded to the hated New York Yankees. Each year the story was repeated and was the sole reason the Sox would not win a World Series. So, when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, it was believed the curse was broken. It was the story of the year; the Sox finally got their chance.

Curse or Superstition, whatever your opinion, there is something to be said for both in the sports world. Many will say it is just something athletes to do to make a name for them, if they were true athletes they would not have a need for "luck."

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