The tobacco ban is being strictly enforced in summer leagues this summer-if a player is caught with tobacco, he's gone and so is his manager.
Years ago, when I found my son was using the stuff, I stuck up a picture in his room of a former player, minus half of his jaw lost due to cancer, and then mixed a little potting soil with his can of dip. He wasn't too much happy with me over either. I told him I lost my dad to tobacco and wasn't much interested in losing a son too. I also printed articles about how addictive it was and left them laying around for him to read.
The smokeless tobacco apparently is extremely addictive.
All you can really do is use whatever communication method is most effective with your kid. They will be around booze and alcohol no matter where they go to school. Mine seemed to absorb more if a I sent them articles as opposed to fussing and threats.
TPM,my questions where "Any of you steered your kid away from programs that have a culture of using the snuff? Is it prohibited by some colleges?"
Not sure how this means I would steer him from going to colleges where coaches and some players use, as that would be impossible. More than half of his coaches over the last 6 years have dipped. I would just bet some colleges are worse than others and wanted to know if parents had taken it into consideration. I agree with everything you said about not being able to prevent things when they leave, or training kid to not be easily influenced by peers. I really have no desire to be hostile towards you, and I thank you for your opinion.
Not sure how this means I would steer him from going to colleges where coaches and some players use, as that would be impossible. More than half of his coaches over the last 6 years have dipped. I would just bet some colleges are worse than others and wanted to know if parents had taken it into consideration. I agree with everything you said about not being able to prevent things when they leave, or training kid to not be easily influenced by peers. I really have no desire to be hostile towards you, and I thank you for your opinion.
Aleebaba- The NCAA banned smokeless tobacco a long time ago.
This list includes 270 colleges and universities prohibiting smoking and all forms of tobacco use everywhere on campus (e.g. no designated smoking areas). For colleges that have announced but not yet implemented a new policy, a date in parentheses indicates when the campus will be 100% tobacco-free.
This list includes 270 colleges and universities prohibiting smoking and all forms of tobacco use everywhere on campus (e.g. no designated smoking areas). For colleges that have announced but not yet implemented a new policy, a date in parentheses indicates when the campus will be 100% tobacco-free.
When son came home for Christmas, his beautiful teeth were brown. But when the cup of tobacco juice was spilled in his bedroom, the first of a family riot act was on. I think it took him 30 days to cold turkey. After the storm, I found out who on the ball club influenced him.
Here's how you get a kid to stop chewing. Have him get a full chew going in his mouth. Then wack him in the stomach inducing him to swallow the chew. When he regains his normal skin tone and his breath he won't want to chew again.
In college I hit an outfield fence hard leaping for a ball. I swallowed the chew. I haven't chewed since. A teammate swallowed his chew in a collision with the catcher. I was on deck. He just laid there at the plate after the play was over. I leaned over him and asked if he was ok. He said, "I swallowed my chew. Leave me here to die."
Chicks dig the long ball, not brown teeth.
In college I hit an outfield fence hard leaping for a ball. I swallowed the chew. I haven't chewed since. A teammate swallowed his chew in a collision with the catcher. I was on deck. He just laid there at the plate after the play was over. I leaned over him and asked if he was ok. He said, "I swallowed my chew. Leave me here to die."
Chicks dig the long ball, not brown teeth.
quote:Originally posted by Aleebaba:
TPM,my questions where "Any of you steered your kid away from programs that have a culture of using the snuff? Is it prohibited by some colleges?"
Not sure how this means I would steer him from going to colleges where coaches and some players use, as that would be impossible. More than half of his coaches over the last 6 years have dipped. I would just bet some colleges are worse than others and wanted to know if parents had taken it into consideration. I agree with everything you said about not being able to prevent things when they leave, or training kid to not be easily influenced by peers. I really have no desire to be hostile towards you, and I thank you for your opinion.
To answer your question, my son's pitching coach dipped (as did many others I know did at that time) and many of the scouts that we met back in the early 2000's. The p coach is one of my son's role models and our friend, still is, it did not make a difference to us one way or another. Would it be today if it were to happen all over again, no.
But times have changed and so do habits, I haven't seen him use it in years since becoming a husband and father and haven't seen some of those young scouts (now older) either. I think that most professionals are aware of the health consequences and try to be better role models in that department and rules are stricter than they were 8-10 years ago.
And most of our kids are smarter.
I think that you got your answer, it IS prohibited and also as Hokie said in the summer leagues as well.
All is good.
First, I just have to say, the concept of "I'd rather have my college age child drink alcohol than chew tobacco" is one of the more ridiculous things I've read in a long time.
Alcohol, especially for younger people, can be immediately disasterous.
Tobacco should be discouraged by a player's parents. I don't wany my sons to chew but the rest of us should stay out of it.
And the idea that HS, college and minor leagues prohibits chewing tobacco is all for show and I don't believe for one second that it is enforced enough to make the ban effective.
I've seen HS coaches/players, summer team coaches/players and now college coaches/players chewing. It is not being enforced.
Alcohol, especially for younger people, can be immediately disasterous.
Tobacco should be discouraged by a player's parents. I don't wany my sons to chew but the rest of us should stay out of it.
And the idea that HS, college and minor leagues prohibits chewing tobacco is all for show and I don't believe for one second that it is enforced enough to make the ban effective.
I've seen HS coaches/players, summer team coaches/players and now college coaches/players chewing. It is not being enforced.
BiggerPapi,
It hasn't been enforced in the past but MLB has told the summer leagues that it supports, which are the nonprofit leagues, including the Cape, Valley, etc., that IT will be strictly enforcing the ban in minor league ball and it wants the summer leagues to do the same. It is a point of emphasis with the umpires. They also advised this will be a significant item in the next negotiations with the MLBPA (players' union).
It sure sounded serious to everyone that heard it.
It hasn't been enforced in the past but MLB has told the summer leagues that it supports, which are the nonprofit leagues, including the Cape, Valley, etc., that IT will be strictly enforcing the ban in minor league ball and it wants the summer leagues to do the same. It is a point of emphasis with the umpires. They also advised this will be a significant item in the next negotiations with the MLBPA (players' union).
It sure sounded serious to everyone that heard it.
quote:Hokieone said.....Years ago, when I found my son was using the stuff, I stuck up a picture in his room of a former player, minus half of his jaw lost due to cancer, and then mixed a little potting soil with his can of dip
If the picture wasn't enough of a message, the potting soil in his dip surely was. He'll remember that taste for a while. That is a good one! As parents sometimes we have to fight "dirty".
quote:Originally posted by fenwaysouth:quote:Hokieone said.....Years ago, when I found my son was using the stuff, I stuck up a picture in his room of a former player, minus half of his jaw lost due to cancer, and then mixed a little potting soil with his can of dip
If the picture wasn't enough of a message, the potting soil in his dip surely was. He'll remember that taste for a while. That is a good one! As parents sometimes we have to fight "dirty".
Depends. If he was using Cope, it probably made it taste better.
My dad didn't spike it, he just gave it to me... when I was 8. He never told me not to swallow it. I still remember hanging over the back porch (I had just eaten a Clark bar, too) and my mom saying 
'why did you do that to him?'.
'He said he wanted some.'
'why did you do that to him?'. 'He said he wanted some.'
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
Alcohol is not addicting. ...
OMG.
A different viewpoint.
Alcohol is addicting.
It's called Alcoholism.
How can you be so wrong?
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
I meant to put in a ? mark ....it is addicting. Calm down and trust your son will make good choices.
Bear,
I guess that you missed this. Need another cup of coffee maybe?
I corrected myself after I posted, but you didn't check that far because you came here specifically to try to discredit me.
I hope that no one removes this post, and that people truly understand that there are people here who have nothing else to do but flame.
Neither of my boys dipped that I was aware of. I have in the past but it was only during a game deal and never off the field. Recently I saw a tin in my sons pocket and questioned him about it. He said it wasn't dip (tobacco) but this new product which is legal at all levels Grinds which is a flavored coffee?????? I have some research to do now.
Regarding tobacco of any sort, you don't stop being a parent when the kids turn 18. My son should he ever need a push in the right direction when it relates to his health, will always get that push or shove.
Thankfully, my son is a health nut and a germaphob (sorry can't spell check that one!). He went to a college camp here in California where the coaches were dipping and was so disgusted by the dugout he never returned their calls again.
Coaches will have to determine their culture. As a parent would I influence my son away from a culture I did not approve of, YES. And if most people were honest with yourselves and it were an issue you cared about you would too. That doesn't make me over protective, it makes me a good parent and I can tell you for a fact my son self regulates but that's because I invested a lot of energy in the child when I could influence his views. The additional good news is, he still cares what I think although he may not readily admit it!
Thankfully, my son is a health nut and a germaphob (sorry can't spell check that one!). He went to a college camp here in California where the coaches were dipping and was so disgusted by the dugout he never returned their calls again.
Coaches will have to determine their culture. As a parent would I influence my son away from a culture I did not approve of, YES. And if most people were honest with yourselves and it were an issue you cared about you would too. That doesn't make me over protective, it makes me a good parent and I can tell you for a fact my son self regulates but that's because I invested a lot of energy in the child when I could influence his views. The additional good news is, he still cares what I think although he may not readily admit it!
quote:Originally posted by Coach Merc:
Neither of my boys dipped that I was aware of. I have in the past but it was only during a game deal and never off the field. Recently I saw a tin in my sons pocket and questioned him about it. He said it wasn't dip (tobacco) but this new product which is legal at all levels Grinds which is a flavored coffee?????? I have some research to do now.
That stuff is kinda weird. Coffee? The short time I did chew I liked the leaf. I've always wished they could come up with a leaf product that was non-carcinogenic. This product doesn't fit that need for me.
Long time reader here, 1st post.
Boy 1 pitched mid-level D1 one
Boy 2 is a lefty hitting 1B at a D2 power
Boy 1 played around with chew in HS, all the kids were doing it. He got away from it and focused on playing. First year at college he was hurt and had to redshirt. His injury required a cast so no playing, minimal drills but a lot of free time. About 90% of the team dipped. Idle hands, light depression and wanting to be one of the guys led him back to dip but this time it took. By the time he was home for the summer, he was addicted. Every spare buck he had was going to cans of the stuff. Dental hygenist noticed and warned of the problems but he wasn't hearing it. Mom was on his case constantly, didn't matter. One thing led to another and he started with alcohol and even tried pot until we caught him and the ultimate blowout occured. He finally admitted a problem and agreed to counseling.It took several months and a few more slips but he put it behind him. He stayed straight, (as far as we could tell- and we were looking), graduated and got a good job. His college career was successful but middle of the road. We are convinced he would not have continued on the team if he didn't get off the stuff.
Boy 2 saw the turmoil - so far so good with him. He takes his share of derision from his teammates for not going with the flow but appears to have seen the downside of it and avoids it.
I hate the stuff - I wish it was banned and enforced but like anything, there are other options, many are no better. Education, support, guidance and a bit of hope all come into play...
Boy 1 pitched mid-level D1 one
Boy 2 is a lefty hitting 1B at a D2 power
Boy 1 played around with chew in HS, all the kids were doing it. He got away from it and focused on playing. First year at college he was hurt and had to redshirt. His injury required a cast so no playing, minimal drills but a lot of free time. About 90% of the team dipped. Idle hands, light depression and wanting to be one of the guys led him back to dip but this time it took. By the time he was home for the summer, he was addicted. Every spare buck he had was going to cans of the stuff. Dental hygenist noticed and warned of the problems but he wasn't hearing it. Mom was on his case constantly, didn't matter. One thing led to another and he started with alcohol and even tried pot until we caught him and the ultimate blowout occured. He finally admitted a problem and agreed to counseling.It took several months and a few more slips but he put it behind him. He stayed straight, (as far as we could tell- and we were looking), graduated and got a good job. His college career was successful but middle of the road. We are convinced he would not have continued on the team if he didn't get off the stuff.
Boy 2 saw the turmoil - so far so good with him. He takes his share of derision from his teammates for not going with the flow but appears to have seen the downside of it and avoids it.
I hate the stuff - I wish it was banned and enforced but like anything, there are other options, many are no better. Education, support, guidance and a bit of hope all come into play...
Eephus, thanks for sharing your story...I am just glad that you continued to parent your college kid and even cracked down to help him get back on the right path.
Parents jobs aren't complete at any point in time. Look at the impact you had on both sons in that situation.
Parents jobs aren't complete at any point in time. Look at the impact you had on both sons in that situation.
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Yes indeed...thanks for an excellent first post Eephus. The stuff is nasty...especially when, in the old days before A/C, the driver spits and those of us in the back get a refreshing wintergreen 'wake-me-up' through our 'rolled down window'!
Was that one Skoal®?
Nope, definitely Cope®...with a morsel of his salmon salad sandwich swimming in there too!
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Yes indeed...thanks for an excellent first post Eephus. The stuff is nasty...especially when, in the old days before A/C, the driver spits and those of us in the back get a refreshing wintergreen 'wake-me-up' through our 'rolled down window'!
Was that one Skoal®?
Nope, definitely Cope®...with a morsel of his salmon salad sandwich swimming in there too!
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Geez, the thought of smelling chew and salmon salad is almost a more disgusting image than those posters of people with missing jaws.
quote:Originally posted by Eephus:
Long time reader here, 1st post.
Boy 1 pitched mid-level D1 one
Boy 2 is a lefty hitting 1B at a D2 power
Boy 1 played around with chew in HS, all the kids were doing it. He got away from it and focused on playing. First year at college he was hurt and had to redshirt. His injury required a cast so no playing, minimal drills but a lot of free time. About 90% of the team dipped. Idle hands, light depression and wanting to be one of the guys led him back to dip but this time it took. By the time he was home for the summer, he was addicted. Every spare buck he had was going to cans of the stuff. Dental hygenist noticed and warned of the problems but he wasn't hearing it. Mom was on his case constantly, didn't matter. One thing led to another and he started with alcohol and even tried pot until we caught him and the ultimate blowout occured. He finally admitted a problem and agreed to counseling.It took several months and a few more slips but he put it behind him. He stayed straight, (as far as we could tell- and we were looking), graduated and got a good job. His college career was successful but middle of the road. We are convinced he would not have continued on the team if he didn't get off the stuff.
Boy 2 saw the turmoil - so far so good with him. He takes his share of derision from his teammates for not going with the flow but appears to have seen the downside of it and avoids it.
I hate the stuff - I wish it was banned and enforced but like anything, there are other options, many are no better. Education, support, guidance and a bit of hope all come into play...
Welcome.
Thanks for sharing your story however I highly doubt that dip led him to alcohol addiction and trying pot use.
I think this was one of the things that some folks were saying here in this topic, once your kids go off to college, or leave home, they are exposed to many things, and being on the bb team doesn't mean they won't have choices to make.
Again speak to your kids about what lies in front of them prepare and educate them to make good choices, however, remember that you can't be there 24/7 you have to trust them to make decisions on their own.
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Yeah it was bad on the rare Oregon Coast summer day that turned out to be hot. All of the windows on our crew rig were rolled down and the Forest Tech, who chewed and always drove on those occasional hot days, would let loose often and anoint the two or three of us college students sitting in the back.
There's not too much that could have come out of his mouth that would have been more revolting. We were relieved to find out that the unusual looking spheres pelting our foreheads were actually pickled capers from the salad and not some part of the Tech's dental work looking for freedom from that slimy miasma!
Many guys who work in the woods chew because they can't smoke during fire season. It's no surprise that I was never interested in the stuff.
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- "...smelling chew and salmon salad is almost a more disgusting..."
Yeah it was bad on the rare Oregon Coast summer day that turned out to be hot. All of the windows on our crew rig were rolled down and the Forest Tech, who chewed and always drove on those occasional hot days, would let loose often and anoint the two or three of us college students sitting in the back.
There's not too much that could have come out of his mouth that would have been more revolting. We were relieved to find out that the unusual looking spheres pelting our foreheads were actually pickled capers from the salad and not some part of the Tech's dental work looking for freedom from that slimy miasma!
Many guys who work in the woods chew because they can't smoke during fire season. It's no surprise that I was never interested in the stuff.
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They sure are enforcing it at my son's high school. It's listed as the #3 rule on the team's rules (alcohol and drugs listed there as well). I guess one of the kid's didn't believe it about the tobacco and tried to push his luck. He was a sophmore that played JV last year but was dismissed from the team the second day of tryouts. Not sure if there was more to the story, but I hear he was a good kid and a good player. It's a shame, but at least he's on a good summer team and hopefully this will motivate him to stop. As a former smoker, I can tell you that quitting is not easy.
You keep getting personal Bear and you'll find pretty soon you won't have a venue here.
quote:Welcome.
Thanks for sharing your story however I highly doubt that dip led him to alcohol addiction and trying pot use.
I think this was one of the things that some folks were saying here in this topic, once your kids go off to college, or leave home, they are exposed to many things, and being on the bb team doesn't mean they won't have choices to make.
Again speak to your kids about what lies in front of them prepare and educate them to make good choices, however, remember that you can't be there 24/7 you have to trust them to make decisions on their own.
I sure don't think tobacco alone led to experimentation with alcohol and other things. I believe the idle time and depression from not playing and just being "one of the guys" contributed just as much. That said, tobacco does give a buzz and feeling good can come from many sources. Once you try something, the next step is sometimes an easier one to convince yourself to take. We are not their guardian angels and can only hope they make the right choices. I know I made my share of mistakes, he made his. Fortunately, the resolution was favorable in our case. It isn't always.
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Well said Eephus.
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Well said Eephus.
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