Looking for the truth about tobacco in Major League Baseball? The short answer is: No, MLB players can't legally chew tobacco on the field anymore.
This is the main reason why baseball players are turning to ZYN nicotine pouches for the familiar buzz that chew tobacco offers.
In this guide, we'll explore the tobacco ban, why players are switching to ZYN, and which pouches might be right for you if you're making the switch too.
MLB's Tobacco Policy and What It Means Today
Major League Baseball implemented strict rules against tobacco use through the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement of 2016.
This agreement prohibits players, managers, and coaches from using smokeless tobacco during televised interviews, club appearances, and while fans are in the ballpark.
The movement began in February 2015 when California lawmakers introduced legislation to ban all chewing tobacco on baseball fields across the state.
The tobacco ban now applies to specific venues including Fenway Park (Boston), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles), and Oracle Park (formerly AT&T Park, San Francisco).
The rule applies to players and fans. (Source: Dodger Stadium Policies & Information)
The MLB's tobacco policy carries potential fines starting at $250 for first-time violations and increasing with repeated offenses. The league office monitors compliance through both in-person observation and broadcast footage review.
Now, you’d think that nicotine pouches like ZYN are forbidden as well, right?
Despite its name, however, they contain no tobacco, tar, or tobacco-specific nitrosamines. Therefore, nicotine pouches don't fall under the MLB's tobacco restrictions!
With that said, the league's stance is clear:
Visible tobacco use in baseball is unacceptable, but tobacco-free alternatives remain permissible.
This regulatory distinction has made tobacco-free nicotine pouches the preferred choice for MLB players who still want nicotine during games. Snus users looking for alternatives often make the same transition for similar reasons.
From Dip to Pouches: Why MLB Players Are Choosing ZYN
Among the various nicotine pouch brands available, ZYN has emerged as the MVP of nicotine alternatives in Major League Baseball.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher DL Hall states: “They're still definitely addictive because they have nicotine, but they don't have the same harmful chemicals that tobacco has."
Hall openly admits, “I used ZYNs to get off [dip],” highlighting how many players use these pouches as a stepping stone away from traditional tobacco.
The reasons MLB players choose ZYN include:
- Compliance with regulations: ZYN doesn't violate MLB's tobacco restrictions
- Discretion during play: No spitting required, making them virtually undetectable
- Specific nicotine delivery: Pre-portioned pouches provide consistent dosage
- Performance maintenance: The familiar nicotine buzz without tobacco's harmful effects
- Flavor diversity: Multiple options to match personal preferences
Swedish Match, ZYN's manufacturer, reported extraordinary growth in the US market due to its growing popularity among MLB players.
Their 2022 financial report showed ZYN nicotine pouch sales in the US increased to more than 200 million cans, up dramatically from the 6 million cans sold in the US in the first quarter of 2019. This explosion in popularity mirrors what we're seeing in dugouts across the country, making ZYN the prime alternative for players seeking tobacco substitutes.
ZYN and the Evolution of Nicotine Use in Baseball
Trying to get baseball players to quit nicotine cold turkey is like scrubbing Babe Ruth from the history books. It’s because baseball and tobacco share an intertwined history, similar to snus and tobacco usage in the Premier League.
Professional baseball players historically used smokeless tobacco like chew and dip (although both are different from one another) for specific functional purposes: keeping their mouths moist during long games and using tobacco spit to soften their gloves.
The nicotine's stimulant effect provided an additional benefit by keeping players alert during games, which is one of the primary benefits of nicotine pouches.
This tobacco culture persisted through generations of baseball players. When cigarettes became recognized as dangerous, smokeless tobacco products seemed like a safer alternative. This perception created a tobacco-friendly environment in baseball dugouts nationwide.
Chase De Jong, an experienced MLB pitcher, notes: "Baseball is a game of adaptation. So people are going to have to adapt to that (The Ban)."
He draws parallels to earlier eras when many Major League players smoked cigarettes before, during, or after games, which is a practice that vanished due to health awareness and regulation.
The generational shift follows a clear pattern:
- 1970s-80s: Cigarette use common among players
- 1990s-2000s: Shift to snus and traditional smokeless tobacco
- 2010s: Introduction of tobacco bans in stadiums
- Present day: Adoption of tobacco-free alternatives like ZYN
Public health organizations support this transition, citing research linking smokeless tobacco to gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, liver disease, and nutritional problems. This is why the MLB Players Association now provides tobacco cessation resources as part of player wellness programs.
At the same time, these don’t absolve nicotine pouches from faults, as users exhibit side effects when abusing the substance as well. Hence, the use of nicotine pouches in moderation is of utmost importance.
ZYN Nicotine Pouches for Baseball Fans (and Athletes)
If you want to know what the fuss is all about, here's what you need to know about ZYN options.
Whether you're an athlete or a fan looking to quit traditional tobacco, ZYN offers specific products that match baseball players' preferences. The most popular ZYN varieties among MLB players include:
ZYN Cool Mint - A refreshing minty flavor available in 3mg (regular) and 6mg (strong) strengths
ZYN Mini Dry Espressino - A smooth flavor for morning games and coffee lovers
ZYN Citrus - A zesty option that provides a refreshing experience
When selecting your first ZYN product, consider these key factors:
- Nicotine strength: New users should start with 3mg formulations. Former tobacco users might prefer 6mg for a stronger effect.
- Flavor profile: Choose flavors that align with your taste preferences or that aid your transition from tobacco.
- Usage duration: ZYN pouches typically last 30-60 minutes per use, ideal for a full inning or commute to the stadium.
ZYN's tobacco-free formula eliminates many drawbacks of traditional tobacco: no teeth staining, no spitting requirement, and no lingering smell. These benefits make ZYN increasingly popular at ballparks nationwide.
Many baseball enthusiasts question why players choose ZYN specifically over competitors like VELO or On! nicotine pouches. The answer lies in ZYN's consistent quality, flavor variety, and established reputation in the nicotine pouch market.
Can MLB Players Chew Tobacco FAQs
How many MLB players use tobacco?
About one-third of Major League Baseball players use smokeless tobacco. Despite league efforts to discourage the habit, it remains prevalent among players, particularly pitchers and those over 30 years old.
Why do baseball players have black under their eyes?
Baseball players wear black under their eyes, called eye black, to reduce glare from sunlight or stadium lights. The black pigment absorbs light and helps improve visibility, especially during daytime games.
What are the benefits of chewing tobacco?
Chewing tobacco provides a quick nicotine hit, which can increase alertness and reduce stress. However, these short-term effects come with severe health risks, including oral cancer and gum disease, making the risks outweigh the benefits.
What was the healthiest tobacco?
No form of tobacco is considered healthy, but some view Swedish snus as a less harmful option due to its lower levels of carcinogens compared to cigarettes or dip. Still, all tobacco products carry significant health risks.
Final Thoughts: Can MLB Players Still Use Chew?
MLB players cannot legally use chewing tobacco at most stadiums under MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement rules. Violations carry financial penalties and possible disciplinary action.
As baseball evolves, younger players enter the league without ever using traditional tobacco, solidifying this shift toward cleaner alternatives.
This is why ZYN nicotine pouches are in vogue in the league nowadays, providing the legal alternative that satisfies nicotine cravings without breaking league regulations.
If you want to make the switch just like MLB players have, browse our complete ZYN collection today and enjoy tobacco-free satisfaction with fast delivery to your door.
