Sporty Superst(ish)ions
Do you knock on wood or cross your fingers when making a wish? Maybe you avoid the number 13 at all costs or opening umbrellas indoors. Whether you’re particularly superst(ish)ous or not, superstitions have been around for ages and play a large role in sports.
Luck may or may not be a thing of fate, but in high-stakes competitions, athletes, coaches, and hard-core fans don’t play when it comes to these sporty superstitions.
Panthers and Oilers face off again in Finals (Bleacher Report/ Instagram)
The Power of the Playoff Beard and Trophy Taboo
Hockey is known for being quite a superstitious sport. With the Stanley Cup Finals underway, the most notable superstitions involve trophies and facial hair.
Many current and aspiring NHL players believe if you touch the Stanley Cup before winning it, you might never have a chance. This long-standing superstition also applies to other championship trophies within the league, such as the conference trophies.
This year, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are set to compete once again for the Stanley Cup championship. This marks the Panthers' third consecutive appearance in the Finals, and they are the defending champions. Two years ago, they touched the Prince of Wales Trophy after winning the Eastern Conference but ultimately lost in the Finals. In 2024, they chose not to touch the conference trophy and ultimately won the Cup. It’s safe to say they have followed the same protocol this time around.
The Oilers did not touch the Western Conference trophy in 2024 and ultimately lost in the Finals. As a result, they decided it might be time to make some changes. To shake things up, they took turns giving the Campbell Bowl a few pats. Will shaking things up work in their favor?
The infamous “playoff beard” dates back to the 1980s when the New York Islanders had massive success after choosing to grow out their beards. Since then, hockey players have ditched their razors in the postseason to increase their team’s chances of winning; even super fans join in on the action.
Step on the Foul line, and you Might Pay the Fine
Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Turk Wendell was known for jumping over the foul line (USA Today Sports)
Baseball is another sport rich with superstitions and unwritten rules. While individual players have specific routines to bring them luck in the ballpark, there are some sacred traditions followed by all in the sport.
Have you ever seen a player step on the foul line? The chances are highly unlikely because stepping on it is not an option. Players believe that stepping on the lines while walking on and off the field will lead to bad luck, so they will go out of their way to avoid it.
Some superstitions extend beyond the players and involve the fans in the stands. Supporters can also play a role in bringing success to their favorite team, but it’s best not to mention a “no-hitter” while it’s happening.
Across all sports, many traditions are thought to influence the luck of players and teams. These can include lucky numbers, specific equipment, and particular clothing. While there is ongoing debate about whether these superstitions genuinely affect outcomes, one thing is sure: these rituals have stood the test of time and are here to stay.