Former MLB pitcher John Lackey once called smokeless tobacco ban "a little messed up"
MLB banned tobacco use in 1993 but it did not include players or their employees. Then in 2016, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) placed a ban on smokeless tobacco that was applicable to players as well.
Most believe that the inclusion of the ban on smokeless tobacco, even for players, was mostly because of the widely celebrated star, Tony Gwynn.
The Hall of Famer frequently used smokeless tobacco and died of salivary gland cancer. As a result, many people believe the player died as a result of excessive tobacco use. The right fielder was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2010 and passed away in 2014 at the age of 54.
The legendary San Diego Padres player is believed to have inspired the move taken by MLB. However, there were some that were not happy with the ban. One of them is John Lackey, the former Chicago Cubs pitcher.
In an interview with SI, the player had this to say:
We’re grown men,” Cubs pitcher John Lackey said
He added this:
“People in the stands can have a beer, but we can’t do what we want? That’s a little messed up.”
And then Lackey continued with:
Added his manager, Joe Maddon, “I’m not into over-legislating the human race.”
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Regardless of the protests, the ban still stands and many were in support of the ban placed. The ban was a way to guide the younger generation of the harmful effects that tobacco can cause.
The reaction to ban of smokeless tobacco in the MLB
In 2016, the CBA finally enacted a ban on smokeless tobacco. The move was inspired by the death of MLB legend Tony Gwynn.
While there were some who were not in support of the move, many were incredibly supportive of the ban.
Jerry Reinsdorf, the Chicago White Sox owner, wrote this in reaction to the ban:
"We strongly believe that children should not be exposed to smokeless tobacco or see such products being used by their on-field sports heroes,"
The Houston Street former Padres player said in an email to the press:
"I think the smokeless tobacco ban is both logical and I am thankful. I understand choice, but choosing to die sooner is not one I support."
MLB spokesman Mike Teevan said this to the media:
"MLB has long supported a ban on smokeless tobacco at the Major League level, and we support the efforts of cities to ban the use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, in sports stadiums and arenas,"
Tony Gwynn Jr. rides for his father 💛
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Many believe this was the right decision made that will protect both their players and the upcoming from harmful substances.