The Sports Guy
I was a bit surprised with the results from last week’s poll question, that more than half of the students on campus are not superstitious at all when watching sports. I must admit that I do have a sports superstition.
When Auburn University, my favorite college football team, plays a game I cannot watch the game unless I watch all or part of the first quarter.
I was a bit curious if any other students had any sports superstitions like me. After some research, I found some instances where students believe superstition doesn’t hurt.
“I am totally for it,” said freshman Daniel Smith. “I cannot wear Brett Favre’s jersey when the Packers are playing and I cannot listen to the game on the radio or the Packers will lose.”
This made me wonder about athletes and whether or not they believe in superstitions. Athletes’ superstitions can range from minor to severe. For example, according to factmonster.com Michael Jordan wore his blue North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform during his career for good luck.
On the other hand, Nomar Garciaparra has an intense superstition. He gets dressed the same way every day, makes sure to step on each dugout step with both feet, and tugs at his batting gloves and taps his toes during each at-bat.
On a more local note, I interviewed some of the softball players to hear their take on the subject. Catcher Shelbie Lindsey confessed that she always has to be no. 13.
“It is a family number,” Lindsey said. “All my family members use the number 13 when they play for a team.”
Lindsey also revealed that the team can never cross bats in the dug out; they must always be stacked. Outfielder Diedra Baitey commented that superstitions are overrated.
“I pray before each game and swing twice before I step into the box before each at bat, but that is more of a habit,” Baitey said.
I believe sports superstitions are harmless unless it becomes obsessive, like in the case of Garciaparra.
Respond at colonnadeletters@gcsu.edu
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Apr 14 2006. Filed under Sports.
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