Last Updated on July 11, 2022
You might have seen professional baseball players wear chains or wear jewelry pieces in Major League Baseball or Minor League baseball. Wearing chains and jewelry pieces is a popular aspect among baseball players.
But, are you curious about why do baseball players wear chains? Are there any valid reasons?
Professional athletes wear gold chains and jewelry items for several reasons. You may be amazed after knowing them. Appearance and look, religious reasons, confidence purposes, style, and fashion, to attract female fans, status, etc., are on the list of main reasons.
Are that all? There are things to discuss deeply for knowing other facts too. So, no more late. Let’s discuss why MLB players wear chains during and out of the games.
Let’s have fun with the facts.
Are Minor League and Major League Baseball Players Allowed to Wear Gold Chains or Jewelry?
It is normal that many professional athletes to wear gold chains and other jewelry items personally. But do professional leagues like MLB and MiLB allow players to wear chains?
Unlike other major sports, MLB and MiLB official rules allow players to wear chains. The authorities do not discourage, rather allow neck chains too.
But, things should be kept in mind that the jewelry items must not be distracting and reflective. If the chains interrupt the flow of the games or reflect lights that disturb the players and performance, those must be removed, or need to be worn under your jersey.
Otherwise, it is quite the baseball players wearing chains outside of the jersey.
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Why Do Baseball Players Wear Chains: Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball
As you have already known that there is no restriction on wearing jewelry including gold chains, baseball necklaces, rope chains, or other pieces of jewelry, now the question is why do baseball players wear chains? What are the reasons that make baseball player chains that popular?
There are both valid and peculiar reasons that make the trend too popular. The following are the most common reasons that motivate professional players to wear jewelry on the baseball field and out of the field.
Appearance and Look
Especially in America, people are hobbyists who have a lot of money. On the other hand, gold chains are precious metal that is also expensive. And another fact is, that gold chains give a luxurious and impactful appearance and look.
Summing up all things, multimillionaire baseball players, who are hobbyists and can afford gold chains basically wear gold chains. I would like to say, the main factor is money here.
If the players have money, they can go for the baseball chains made of gold. The other reasons come later. By the way, players who are not that much reach also can afford a simple gold chain.
Status
Precise jewelry always enhances the status of people. As I’ve mentioned before, players who wear expensive gold chains or jewelry indicate they are rich men. The wealth also indicates power as well.
So, wearing jewelry in baseball games or out of the games verifies the player leads a luxurious life which enhances his status.
Religious Reasons
Have you ever noticed that famous players wear gold chains with a gold cross? If so, then you might understand the reason behind it. Religion plays a big role in American baseball.
Sometimes, baseball players wear gold chains because of religious beliefs. The players also kiss the cross with the belief that the chains will bring success for them when they enter the baseball field or step into the batter’s box. Though it seems pretty much superstitious.
But, this helps baseball players to be strong spiritually in their beliefs. They strongly believe that the chains will help them out all over the game.
By the way, baseball players wear different-sized chains based don’t their faith. In most cases, small-sized crosses are worn because big-sized ones can be broken off easily.
Confidence Purposes
As expected, depending on their religious belief, baseball players believe that the conclusion gold will help to enhance their performance. As a result, this belief enhances confidence among the players who wear jewelry.
Sometimes, this psychological phenomenon boosts up the player’s mindset that they easily hit the pitches, or strike out with ease of the opposing players.
From this angle of view, famous baseball players like Justin Verlander, and Jon Lester claimed that wearing gold neck chains helped them to perform better.
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Superstitions
As expected, depending on their religious belief, baseball players believe that the conclusion gold will help to enhance their performance. As a result, this belief enhances confidence among the players who wear jewelry.
Sometimes, this psychological phenomenon boosts up the player’s mindset that they easily hit the pitches, or strike out with ease of the opposing players.
From this angle of view, famous baseball players like Justin Verlander, and Jon Lester claimed that wearing gold neck chains helped them to perform better.
Fashion and Stylish Look
Jewelry is always one of the core elements of fashion and style. It enhances the style taste in different ways. Also, money makes style too. A lot of money ultimately, a different style, no doubt.
A gold chain makes men’s clothing stand out. The chain also looks well with any outfit. Consequently, one may wear gold chains at any time.
Modernizing a classic thick chain has been a trend in recent years. Any event, from lunch to date, is appropriate for a hefty chain that improves fashion.
This may be paired with a scarf or a plain printed T-shirt. Different sleek and aesthetically pleasing styles are encountered by players.
Health Purposes (!)
The health benefits of titanium necklaces have been touted by manufacturers for a very long time. Many individuals think that wearing a necklace can increase blood flow to the neck.
They also think there are additional health advantages. But overall, science has not been able to explain it. Even this is in no way supported.
Promotion of the Products
Nowadays, product promotion by celebrities gets its highest peak. On the other hand, the baseball game is one of the greatest shows in America. And baseball players are true celebrities among the people here compared to other sports.
It is a great phenomenon of chance promoting a local jewelry store or big jewelry manufacturers by the baseball players.
To Attract Female Fans
I don’t know whether you will agree with me or not. But, attracting a fanbase, especially the female ones, and getting their cheers/chants is something phenomenal in games.
On the other hand, baseball is the national pastime of America. It is something else than just a game. There is craziness in baseball fanning. So, as expected, attracting female fans is also something different for many baseball players.
Fanbase supports them intensively which also boosts their confidence and performance in the end. Getting support from female fans means some adore, love, and emotions.
As you already know, gold chains represent a status symbol, and wealth, it attracts a partner from the opposite gender. As a woman looks for a partner, the expensive, shiny gold metal not the men’s neck help to spot them easily.
Baseball players may be distinguished from other people by their gold decorations, which, among other things, draw the attention of certain ladies.
In the end, one of the main motives for baseball players to wear pricey metal necklaces is to draw female fans.
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Types of Chains Baseball Players Wear
Though necklaces that baseball players wear are mostly made of gold, this always is not the fact. There are purposes that differed the chain shapes, design, and metal as well. Aside from gold, titanium is another funky and popular metal that is used in making baseball chains.
So, let’s see the types of necklaces baseball players wear.
Gold Chains
The gold chain is made of pure gold. The simple gold chain does not distract any players from the game. It is normally lightweight, sophisticated, and attractive.
One can find a simple gold chain from any type of local jewelry store around him. Not punk, just players look for simple attire, the simple gold necklace is just a fine pick.
Gold Plated Chains
Basically, the difference between a gold chain and a gold-plated chain is not that much. the primary difference is the gold plated necklace comes with a plated pattern on it.
Actually, this is something out of simple attire, rather more superstition. Also, the pattern of the gold-plated necklace is different based on the region and country.
You’ll notice that the gold-plated necklaces are quite thick and striking. These bracelets are popular among young players.
The chains with gold plating are heavier than chains made of pure gold. Even more so, they impede the view. While jogging, the gold-plated chains might become tangled.
Mookie Betts is one of the well-known athletes who wear sports gold-plated chains. He even used gold chains to create his own gold brand.
Gold Cross Chains
You might remember that I have discussed baseball players wearing chains often for religious reasons. The players who wear gold cross chains are mainly devout people in Christianity.
The wonderful thing about the gold cross chain is that it is both smaller and heavier than standard, plain gold chains.
But there’s a problem with the cross chains in terms of safety. On the baseball field, fielders are allowed to lie on their stomachs and necks. In this instance, the cross-section is quite hazardous and potentially dangerous. because they could unintentionally stab the players in the neck or stomach.
Titanium Necklaces
A twisted rope necklace is a popular choice for baseball players to wear during games. The titanium necklace is a necklace made of twisted rope.
The titanium has been included in the design of this necklace. However, the titanium utilized is of a unique sort.
Titanium is turned into an active substance after an exclusive infusion procedure. The material is known as Aqua Titanium.
The nerves of the baseball players are influenced and stimulated by the titanium that has been carefully treated. because it has small magnets built in that work with the necklace’s electrical and biological fields.
Therefore, when wearing the Phiten necklaces throughout the game, the players become more aggressive due to the nerve stimulation with the active substance.
Incidents Occurred Related to Gold Chains
Though gold chains are allowed in baseball games, sometimes unwanted or hassled occurrences could take place. There are at least two notable incidents that happened during the game-play.
1st One: 2017- Lance McCullers Jr, Houston Astros
The first one happened in 2017 in Yankee Stadium. Lance McCuller Jr, a Houston Astros pitcher was pitching against the New York Yankees. His necklace was broken suddenly and he had to search for it in the dirt.
This was an American League Championship, and it was a black diamond necklace.
2nd One: 2018- Yoenis Cespedes, New York Mets
Another incident happened in 2018. Yoenis Cespedes, a New York Mets baserunner smashed his chain in pieces while entering the second base in Citi Field. All players, even the umpire had searched for the necklace. It was an expensive one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NFL players allowed to wear necklaces during the games?
Officially, a National football league player’s neck can hold a gold chain or jewelry. But, a thing to be considered while choosing the chains.
The chains could not be hard, but rather reliable. Also, most NFL players like to wear chains under their jerseys. It reduces the chance of reflection and distractions.
Who are some notable players who wear baseball player chains?
Many players wear jewelry during games. Derek Jeter, one of the famous New York Yankees players used to wear chains under his jersey during the game. As a result, people didn’t notice his jewelry.
On the other hand, the showing up trend started later on. Mookie Betts like players, who are currently playing in Boston Red Sox, is wearing chains outside of their jersey.
Wrapping Up Baseball Chains
After a detailed discussion, I would like to think now you know why do baseball players wear chains during or outside of the games.
Baseball chains are symbols of wealth, status, and showing up. Also, some reasons are related to religious faith and superstition. Attracting female fans is one of the big reasons too.
By the way, professional leagues like MLB and MiLB do not prevent wearing baseball chains or jewelry. They can wear jewelry as per their wish.
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Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.