Superstitions are a fascinating aspect of sports culture, deeply ingrained in many athletes’ routines. These rituals, often quirky and personal, are believed to influence performance and outcomes. From growing playoff beards to wearing lucky socks, athletes across various sports hold steadfast to their superstitions. Here, we explore the top five most interesting and widely-believed sports superstitions among athletes in MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL.

5: Playoff Beards (NHL and Beyond)

The playoff beard is one of the most well-known sports superstitions, particularly in the NHL. The tradition began with the New York Islanders in the 1980s. Players refrain from shaving during the playoffs, believing the growing beard will bring good luck and lead to victory.

This superstition has since spread to other sports, with athletes in the NFL, MLB and NBA adopting the practice during crucial games or series. The idea is that the beard signifies unity and focus, helping the team remain concentrated on the ultimate goal of winning the championship.

4: Avoiding the Foul Line and No-Hitter Etiquette

Baseball is a sport rich in superstitions, with two of the most common being the avoidance of the foul line and strict no-hitter etiquette. Many players, both amateur and professional, go out of their way to avoid stepping on the foul line when entering or exiting the field, believing that crossing it will bring bad luck.

During a no-hitter, another widely observed sports superstition is the etiquette of silence. Teammates and coaches avoid mentioning the ongoing no-hitter, fearing that acknowledging it will jinx the pitcher and cause them to give up a hit. This practice underscores the deep-rooted belief in the power of superstitions within the baseball community.

3: Larry Walker’s Obsession with the Number 3

Former MLB player Larry Walker had one of the most well-known sports superstitions centered around the number 3. He wore the number 33, took practice swings in multiples of three, and even set his alarm clock to wake up at 3:33.

Walker believed this number brought him luck and success on the field. His attachment to the number 3 is one of the more unique and personal superstitions in sports, showcasing how individual quirks can become essential parts of an athlete’s routine.

2: Michael Jordan’s University of North Carolina Shorts

Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players ever, had another one of the most famous sports superstitions involving his University of North Carolina (UNC) shorts. Jordan wore his college shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform throughout his professional career, believing they brought him good luck.

This ritual started during his time at UNC, where he led the team to a national championship in 1982. This sports superstition highlights how significant past successes can influence an athlete’s beliefs and routines in their professional careers.

1: Wade Boggs’ Chicken Ritual

Hall of Fame baseball player Wade Boggs was renowned for his pregame rituals, particularly his routine of eating chicken before every game. Boggs believed that his chicken diet contributed to his success, earning him the nickname “Chicken Man.”

In addition to his dietary superstition, Boggs followed a strict pregame routine that included taking batting practice at exactly 5:17 PM and running sprints at 7:17 PM. 

It may not sound very scientific, but it worked for him!