From Dip to Pouch: How Nicotine Pouches Are Changing Major League Baseball 

Baseball and tobacco have a long, storied past that can be traced back well over a century. From the 1880s, when tobacco companies used baseball cards to market their products, to the unmistakable image of players spitting tobacco in the dugout, smokeless tobacco has been intrinsically linked to the game’s culture. It was even common for players to pack a lip of chewing tobacco to combat dry conditions or use the juice to soften their gloves. 

That all started to change in the 1990s. MLB banned tobacco use in the minor leagues in 1993, marking the first major step in cutting tobacco from the sport. Then in 2011, new restrictions prevented teams from providing smokeless tobacco to players, and players were barred from using it during interviews or even carrying it when in uniform. The biggest shift came in 2016, when a new Collective Bargaining Agreement banned smokeless tobacco for all new players, prohibiting its use at games and team functions. Today, more than half of MLB stadiums are completely tobacco-free, thanks to state and local laws.  

Several reasons led to the crackdown on smokeless tobacco in baseball. The health risks associated with chewing tobacco are well-documented, with former players like Babe Ruth, Bill Tuttle, and Tony Gwynn suffering from serious health conditions linked to its use. While no direct medical study confirmed Gwynn’s cancer was caused by smokeless tobacco, the San Diego Padres’ right fielder and hall of famer personally attributed his illness to its use, further intensifying calls for regulation in the league. 

Beyond health concerns, MLB also faced pressure to ban tobacco due to the influence players have on their young fans. Professional athletes are role models, and their habits both on- and off-the field have the power to inspire and shape trends. The league recognized that by allowing the visible use of smokeless tobacco, it could be seen as promoting the habit and sending the wrong signal to underage fans.  

With smokeless tobacco largely phased out, players started looking for alternatives. At first, some turned to coffee grinds in an effort to imitate the texture and keep up the pre-game ritual of putting something under their lip. These days, a growing number have switched to nicotine pouches.  

Nicotine pouches are free from tobacco leaf and don’t require spitting, providing a truly modern alternative for players who use nicotine. However, the fact that pouches, like ZYN, contain nicotine (a stimulant) is still a point of contention for many in professional sports. Some argue that nicotine’s stimulating effects — such as increased alertness and reduced fatigue—may offer a performance edge, while others point to health concerns and the message it sends to younger fans.

Without the mess, stains, and strong odors associated with chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches have quickly become popular amongst players looking to avoid a violation of the MLB’s smokeless tobacco ban. 

Reports suggest that nicotine pouches are now more widespread in MLB clubhouses than ever before. But with their increase in popularity comes new discussions on how they fit into the league’s broader health stance. 

The discussion around nicotine pouches in the majors is said to have started in the 2024 offseason. The minor league has already implemented a ban due to growing concerns about youth exposure, so there’s no doubt that the question of further regulation remains a hot topic—and not just in baseball, but in other sports as well. 

Baseball has changed a lot over the years—from the size of the pitch to how the ball is stitched. Adapting to new health standards and shifting cultural norms around tobacco use has been part of that evolution.  

For now, nicotine pouches are allowed under MLB’s rules. But with growing public scrutiny and ongoing discussions between MLB and the league and the players’ association, changes could be on the horizon. Whether that means new restrictions, increased awareness, or an outright ban remains to be seen.  

Here at Northerner, we stopped selling tobacco products after 25 years, because we believe nicotine pouches are the future of responsible nicotine consumption. Maybe MLB feels the same?  

One thing is certain: MLB’s relationship with nicotine is evolving again. If you’ve previously used dip or chew and are thinking about making a switch—just like many pro players—our smokeless tobacco guide is here to help.  

It’s time to play ball!