You might be quite surprised to find out how much superstition plays a role for many baseball players.  Whether it is before or during the game, players are weary of jinxing themselves or their team.

Though this might seem overboard, baseball is a cerebral game and relies on a certain level of mental focus and dedication to keep one’s mind and mechanics sound.  The higher the level of play, the higher the level of focus required so it is not too surprising to find out that professional and college players have some tricks up their sleeves when it comes to keeping the baseball gods on their side.  

Some of the most common superstitions at the professional level are basic: things like sitting in the same spot on the bench, keeping the same glove or bat during a streak of good luck and avoiding stepping on the foul line are common.  Some players eat the same food before every game.  

Often, during streaks of good luck, players refrain from washing their clothes or shaving.

I wanted to find out what kinds of superstitions and rituals were floating around here at Wichita State, so I caught up with sophomore outfielder Mikel Mucha and freshman infielder Tanner Dearman to get the scoop.  The first thing I asked them was about a trend I have heard about for years at the professional level:  the rather taboo act of using urine to toughen the hands and prevent blisters.  “I do it,” Mucha said. “Actually a few of the other guys here do it, too.”  

To us, it might seem a little odd, but it is hard to argue with success, as former and current professional greats like Jorge Posada have endorsed this technique.

Mucha admits that it is difficult to think of every single superstition or ritual that he performs.  

“After doing these things for a while you don’t think about it, it just comes naturally,” he said.  

Mucha wears number 8 on the field and must have his music volume at eight every game day.  The outfielder also puts all of his gear on from left to right.  

Dearman let me in on a couple of his rituals as well:  “I have to re-tie my shoes right before the game starts,” he said. The infielder also admits that despite how tricky the sun can be during an afternoon game, he never wears sunglasses.  Dearman must also wear the exact same undershirt every game.

The guys let me know about rituals the team had, as a whole, as well.  They said they pray together before each game.  Also, when you are at a game, pay attention to the players after the national anthem is finished.  Usually, if not always, team members will hug each other and then bow to the crowd.  

According to Dearman, all of the pitchers will shower before games in which they are scheduled to throw.

Hopefully, all of these superstitions and rituals will lead the Shockers to a successful, jinx-free season in 2013.  As he looks over to Dearman and starts to laugh, Mucha lets me in on one last ritual:  “One of the pitchers, Albert Minnis, does a little dance for us in a towel in the locker room before each game,” Mucha said.  “Usually to ‘Blow’ by Kesha.”