Baseball has long been a sport steeped in rituals and superstitions, with players adhering to unique routines they believe enhance their performance. The New York Yankees, one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, are no exception. Ace pitcher Gerrit Cole has shed light on some of the team’s more unconventional practices aimed at fostering success on the field.

During the 2022 season, Cole revealed that the Yankees engaged in a ritual involving the creation and application of “holy water” before games. This homemade concoction was sprinkled onto the field with the hope of generating runs and securing victories. The Yankees ace elaborated on the process, stating, “We have a certain process of how we have to make the holy water and then we have to flick it on the field so that we get the runs.”

In addition to the holy water ritual, the Yankees maintained strict routines regarding their positioning in the dugout during games. Cole explained that if the team achieved a hit while players stood in a specific order, they would remain in that formation to preserve the positive momentum. Conversely, if a hit was not forthcoming, they would rearrange themselves in hopes of altering their fortunes. He noted, “If we’re standing in a certain order when we get a hit, then we can’t move from that order. If we get a hit and then we don’t get a hit, then we have to shuffle the order up.”
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These practices underscore the deep-seated belief in baseball that certain actions or routines can influence the game’s outcome. Such superstitions are not unique to the Yankees; baseball players across generations have adhered to various rituals, from wearing the same pair of socks during a hitting streak to avoiding stepping on the foul line when taking the field.

Cole recounted a specific instance involving teammate Anthony Rizzo that highlighted the team’s commitment to these rituals. During a game, Rizzo engaged Cole in what the pitcher described as “a bunch of nonsense” conversation. After Rizzo secured a base hit, Cole felt compelled to continue the seemingly trivial discussion for the remainder of the inning to maintain the positive “juju.” He recalled, “Last night, Rizzo was talking to me about a bunch of nonsense. We got a runner on, and he got a base hit, and then I had to listen to the nonsense for the rest of the inning because we didn’t want to mess up the juju.”

While Cole and some teammates view these actions as superstitions, Rizzo offers a different perspective. He considers them part of the players’ routines rather than mere superstitions. Rizzo remarked, “Some of it’s, I guess, superstition, but it’s really just all part of your routine building up to the game.”
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Yankees’ strange pregame tradition not unusual in baseball

The distinction between superstition and routine in baseball is often blurred. Players develop habits and rituals that provide a sense of control and comfort in a game replete with variables and uncertainties. These practices can range from the mundane, such as eating the same pre-game meal, to the elaborate, like the Yankees’ holy water ritual.

The Yankees’ adherence to these rituals reflects a broader cultural phenomenon within baseball, where players seek to create a sense of order and predictability. By engaging in specific routines, players can mentally prepare themselves, fostering confidence and focus. This psychological aspect is crucial in a sport where success often hinges on mental fortitude as much as physical skill.

Moreover, these shared rituals can strengthen team cohesion. When players collectively participate in superstitions or routines, it fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. This camaraderie can translate into better on-field performance, as players feel more connected and supportive of one another.

It’s important to note that while such rituals are prevalent, their efficacy is subjective and varies among individuals. Some players may find comfort and improved performance through these practices, while others may not subscribe to them at all. The key lies in the personal meaning and psychological benefits that players derive from their routines.

In the high-pressure environment of professional baseball, where players are constantly under scrutiny and performance expectations are immense, these rituals offer a semblance of control. They serve as coping mechanisms, helping players navigate the stresses and demands of the sport.

The Yankees‘ engagement in such superstitions underscores the timeless nature of these practices in baseball. As long as the game continues to challenge players with its unpredictability, they will likely continue to seek solace and success through their unique rituals and routines.

In conclusion, the New York Yankees’ use of “holy water” and strict dugout positioning rituals exemplifies the enduring presence of superstitions in baseball. These practices highlight the psychological strategies players employ to gain a perceived edge and maintain a sense of control in a game defined by its uncertainties. Whether viewed as superstitions or routines, such rituals remain an integral part of the baseball experience, reflecting the human desire to influence fate in the pursuit of victory.