Tobacco may be banned by Major League Baseball in 2011.
Since baseball began in the mid 1840s, tobacco was a popular companion for professional players. Smokeless tobacco was used constantly throughout the early 1900s by many players and even after the harmful effects of tobacco were revealed, some players continued to use the product. Throughout various levels of the game, there are rules on tobacco use, though it has not yet been banned at the major league level.
College Baseball
In 1994, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) banned tobacco use during competition in all of their sports, including baseball. If any baseball athlete is seen either chewing or possessing tobacco products, the athlete will be kicked out of the game.
Minor League Baseball
In 1993, minor league baseball, an extension of Major League Baseball imposed a ban on the possession and use of all tobacco products. This ban included all club personnel like coaches and trainers. The ban is in effect during games and during team travel and can be punished with an ejection from the game and a fine.
Major League Baseball
While there are some rules connected to tobacco, there is not a ban on chewing during games. Before 1998, tobacco company representatives were allowed to leave free tobacco dip cans in the players club house. That practice was banned in 1998 along with the major league teams providing their players with tobacco. The college and minor league ban along with the restriction of providing free tobacco has lowered the use of tobacco in the major leagues and in 2011 the Players Union may vote to determine if a ban is desired for Major League Baseball.
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