By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher Former Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling recently returned to his job at ESPN following his battle with throat cancer. Schilling, like Tony Gwynn, believe they got this type of cancer through chewing tobacco, also known as dipping. This past June, Gwynn passed away from his lengthy battle with cancer. Schilling, on the other hand, was able to beat it – for now. While these two stars have suffered from a dreaded disease, Major League Baseball is unable to put a ban into place for chewing tobacco. At this time, players are only not allowed to dip during live interviews and appearances. The Basic Agreement with the Players Association expires in 2016. When it expires, the two sides will have to come to the agreement on either an extension, or a re-do agreement. “In addition, at any time when fans are permitted in the ballpark, players, managers and coaches must conceal tobacco products (including packages and tins), and may not carry tobacco products in their uniforms or on their bodies,” the agreement says. “Individuals who violate the policy are subject to discipline. Players are subject to fines/penalties for violations of the prohibitions outlined above.” All players must go through oral examinations during their Spring Training physicals for oral lesions. These players also are asked to education the public regarding the dangers of smokeless tobacco. “As part of these efforts, the Commissioner’s Office and the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) recently conducted a smokeless tobacco survey among players, is in the process of creating an improved educational program, and is in the final stages of completing an educational film. PSA, involving the late Tony Gwynn, that will warn players and Club staff of the risk associated with smokeless tobacco,” a Major League Baseball spokesman added. Major League Baseball also distributes a list of professional organizations, who help individuals that wish to quit using smokeless tobacco. However, for the past 21 years, there has been an all-out ban on smokeless tobacco. “The Minor League Tobacco Policy, implemented by Major League Baseball, in 1993, bans the use and possession of all tobacco products by club personnel – including players – in Minor League ballparks and during team travel,” this statement reads. “Fines have been issued for violations of the Minor League policy. Educational posters regarding the Minor League Tobacco Policy hang in every Minor League clubhouse.”
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