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The Peculiar Superstitions Of Former MLB Star Lefty O’Doul
One of baseball’s brightest stars from the past relied on some unusual routines to keep up his successful play
Some baseball players have routines that get them comfortable in how they throw and bat. Others are downright superstitious, with former big-league star Lefty O’Doul having one of the most elaborate lists of luck-inducing habits of anyone in baseball history.
O’Doul was one of baseball’s most unique figures. He began his career as a pitcher, reaching the majors. He didn’t stick long but upon his return to the minor leagues he switched to playing outfield and became an offensive dynamo, so much so that he turned into a big-league star in his 30s. After his playing days ended he was a long-time manager in the Pacific Coast League, spending 23 seasons leading various teams.
A late start and an inability to avoid injuries derailed O’Doul from having even better numbers than he did. As a pitcher, he appeared in 34 games (one start), going 1–1 with a 4.87 ERA. He even had one minor league season with the San Francisco Seals in 1921 where he went 25–9 with a 2.39 ERA.
As a hitter, he logged 970 big-league games in 11 seasons, accumulating a .349 batting average (sixth all-time), 113 home runs…
