It sounds like an urban legend, but it’s kind of true, unfortunately. Some baseball players do in fact pee on their hands to improve their grip. This old-school ritual is most often practiced by hitters trying to avoid blisters or pitchers hoping for a better feel on the ball.
One of the most famous advocates was Moisés Alou. He insisted that urinating on his hands toughened the skin and prevented blisters, something he swore by throughout his 17-season career. Alou wasn’t alone; catchers, pitchers, and even some power hitters have been known to give it a try, especially during spring training or in colder weather when grips become slick or hands more prone to cracking.
Does it work? While there is no clear cut evidence of this, it is true that Pee contains urea, a compound that can help harden the skin and make it less susceptible to blistering or tearing. And though it’s gross, players are willing to do anything to gain an edge, and when it becomes superstition, you’re not stopping the flow.
Besides, there’s worse sticky stuff to use.
What’s happening
Royals calling up top prospect Jac Caglione. Hitting .322 all levels after hitting .419 at Florida last year.
Rockies are now 9-50. The worst start of the modern era.
Brewers sweep Phillies to win 7th straight.
No. 1 Vanderbilt and No. 2 Texas eliminated from College baseball regional.
This Day In Sports History
1883: First night baseball game is played under lights.
1935: Babe Ruth announces his retirement at the age of 40
1942: Ted Williams enlists into the US Navy
1987: Mariners draft Ken Griffey Jr. 1st overall
Random Stat Of The Day
While he is arguably the greatest defensive player of all time and himself started two triple plays in once season, Brooks Robinson holds an unfortunate record as he has hit into the most triple plays in MLB history. On this day in 1958, he hit into his 1st and would go on to hit into 3 more in his career. Accounting for 4 of the 739 triple plays turned in MLB history since 1876.