Baseball and Superstition

Everybody in baseball seems to have a nickname, and each one has a unique origin story. Some are bestowed by a creative broadcaster or a descriptive teammate, while others date all the way back to childhood. Sarah and Mandy wanted to hear how some of the biggest stars in MLB got their nicknames, so they asked Francisco Lindor, Nelson Cruz, Don Mattingly and more!

There’s something magical about the drama of a game that creeps into the late innings with one team still hitless. Mandy and Sarah tell their own favorite no-hitter stories, including one Mandy is still apologizing to her dad for almost 25 years later. Then they hear from Joe Musgrove, Lucas Giolito, Edwin Diaz and a few other Major Leaguers with unique perspectives on why no-nos are such a special part of baseball.

We’ve come a long way from peanuts and Cracker Jack when ballparks are serving sushi and salad. Mandy and Sarah recall their most memorable stadium meals, including a plate-sized pork chop, and then take us inside MLB clubhouses to hear from Mark Canha, Cole Irvin and others about the best food spreads for players around the league.

Sarah's favorite baseball stadium memory was from a game that didn't even count in the standings. Mandy finally felt at home in a new park during a Hall of Famer's final game. Some stadiums just have that special feeling – for players and for fans -- and we want to know why. So we asked Sean Manaea, Rich Hill, and a few other Major Leaguers for help.

Mandy uses the same pencil in the press box when she’s on a streak of strong stories. Sarah’s grandmother hid in the kitchen when the Giants played tight games. Everyone in the baseball world, even the most rational people, seems to succumb to superstition – and we want to know why. So we asked Adam Wainwright, Jordan Luplow, Mike Brosseau and a few others for help.

MLB.com reporters Mandy Bell and Sarah Langs search for answers to some of baseball’s big questions, with help from players, fans and reporters across the game. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.