Though individual athlete’s are known to have some very personal superstitions about what to do or not to do, before, during and after a game, here are some common superstitions in the world of sports.
Baseball
- Spitting into your hand before picking up the bat is said to bring good luck.
- A wad of gum stuck on a player’s hat brings good luck.
- It is bad luck if a dog walks across the diamond before the first pitch.
- Some players believe it is good luck to step on one of the bases before running off the field at the end of an inning.
- It is bad luck to touch the baselines while running off and onto the field between innings.
- Lending a bat to a fellow player is a serious jinx.
- Some players actually sleep with their bat to break out of a hitting slump or stay in a groove.
- If a pitcher is throwing a perfect game or a no-hitter, never speak of it while it’s going on.
Basketball
- The last person to shoot a basket during the warm-up will have a good game.
- Wipe the soles of your sneakers for good luck.
- Bounce the ball before taking a foul shot for good luck.
Bowling
- To continue a winning streak, wear the same clothes.
- The number 300, a perfect score, on your license plate will increase your score.
- Carry charms on your bowling bag, in your pockets, or around your neck for good luck.
Fishing
- Fish may not bite if a barefoot woman passes you on the way to the dock.
- Spit on your bait before casting your rod to make fish bite.
- Throw back your first catch for good luck.
- It is bad luck to change rods while fishing.
- Don’t tell anyone how many fish you’ve caught until you’re done or you won’t catch another.
Football
- Double numbers on a player’s uniform brings good luck.
- It’s bad luck for a professional football player to take a new number when he is traded to another team.
- A mascot is an important good luck symbol.
Golf
- Start only with odd-numbered clubs.
- Balls with a number higher than 4 are bad luck.
- Carry coins in your pockets for good luck.
Ice Hockey
- It is bad luck for hockey sticks to lie crossed.
- It is bad luck to say “shutout” in the locker room before a game.
- Players believe they’ll win the game if they tap the goalie on his shin pads before a game.
- Many players must put their pads and skates on in exactly the same order every day.
Rodeo
- Always put the right foot in the stirrup first.
- Avoid wearing the color yellow.
- Always shave before a competition (for men only!)
Tennis
- It’s bad luck to hold more than two balls at a time when serving.
- Avoid wearing the color yellow.
- Walk around the outside of the court when switching sides for good luck.
- Avoid stepping on the court lines.
Reference: http://www.factmonster.com/spot/superstitions1.html