Friday the six brings up discussions on athletes odd habits
BOGALUSA - One sock up, one sock down.
|
Advertisement |
Long hair, short hair.
These are just some of the many superstitions that athletes have as a part of playing sports. It seems fitting to discuss these many routines that the dedicated players have on Friday the 13th.
Athletes in Washington Parish have several different kinds of "superstitions." Although most agree that doing a routine before of after every game probably has no bearing on the actual outcome, all could not go without their usual schedule.
Bogalusa High School senior Semaj Richardson said he has to be alone before he plays a game.
"I get by myself and then relax," Richardson said, who plays basketball.
Varnado athlete Ta'Jah Pigott listens to his phone before any sport he plays.
"I have music on my phone so I listen to it before every game. I listen to rap," Pigott, 16, said.
Jacque Harvey is a football player at Franklinton High School. He gets encouragement from a family member.
"I talk to my brother," Harvey said.
Julian Tate is Harvey's sibling and he also plays football for the Demons.
Several professional athletes have had superstitions.
Former NBA superstar Michael Jordan always wore his blue North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform for good luck.
Turk Wendell, a former MLB pitcher, brushed his teeth and chewed licorice between every inning.
Former MLB player Wade Boggs ate only chicken the day of a game and drew a symbol that meant "To Life" in the dirt before every at-bat.
Mark Fidrych, another former MLB pitcher, used to play with the dirt on the mound and talk to himself before every inning for good luck.
Do these routines actually help players perform better on the field or on the court? Perhaps not physically but definitely mentally.
Superstitions keep players in a comfort zone that helps them to be more calm and relaxed before and during a game. It is a way to clear the mind and feel like everything is in its proper place.
Whether the superstitions work or not, most will keep a watchful eye out today for black cats and open umbrellas.
Just don't go walking under any ladders and things should be fine.
Comments