Superstition Essay - 629 Words

We have all seen or practiced a superstition. Crossing our fingers for good luck or avoiding the path of a black cat. Some are as old as the written word. They have woven themselves into the fabric of everyday society. Probably the most superstious group in our society is the athlete. Baseball players will not step on the foul line as they leave the field of play. Football players have exact pregame rituals that can not be interrupted. The hockey fans of the Detroit Red Wings will throw an octopus onto the ice after their team scores a goal. The Red Sox did not will a World Series all of those years, simply because they trade Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The Cubs are still paying for not allowing a goat into one of their games. While all†¦show more content†¦They can bond together and wallow in each others sorrow. Being superstitious is something that most players will not admit to being, but the rest of the team will not talk to a pitcher pitching a no hitter. It is an unwritten rule that even if you do not believe in the superstition, you still do not challenge it. A pitcher who was in the middle of pitching a perfect game was receiving a cup of water from the same bat boy in between innings. Before the eighth inning the batboy did not give him his cup of water. Panic set in, the ritual had been broken. On his way to the pitcher’s mound, all he could think of was the cup of water. He went on to pitch the perfect game, but the effect the superstition had on him is evident. His most memorable moment of the game was not getting that cup of water. Over thirty years later, this is what he remembers. The common denominator behind most sport superstitions is confidence. By following these idiosyncrasies, the player maintains his confidence. A pitcher on a winning streak will keep using the same undershirt and socks without washing them. Not doing this will upset the baseball gods and they will end his winning streak. In reality it is just an extra boost to his confidence. An extra confident pitcher can make the out pitch when it is needed. Another result of superstition is rhythm. A basketball player will go through an exact routine prior to attempting a free throw. This superstition/routineShow MoreRelatedSuperstition : Superstition And Superstition1016 Words   |  5 Pages Jenee Smith English 1102 March 1, 2016 Superstition Superstition refers to unreasonable fear and belief of something that is unknown. The extent of this belief and the fear is common, not only among the illiterate, tribal and senior citizens, but even amongst the educated ones, and the people guided by rational thoughts. Superstitions contain various types, and diverse people of various countries are influenced by these assertions. 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