WASHINGTON — A bill under consideration by the D.C. Council aims to stop the use of smokeless tobacco products at sporting events including at Nationals Park.
If it becomes law, this bill would have the greatest impact among the baseball world, where chewing tobacco use is most prevalent.
Stopping short Wednesday of saying whether he is for or against the bill, Nationals Manager Dusty Baker chimed in on the proposal and his own struggle to stop using smokeless tobacco.
“Whatever they decide, I think it’s for the best for the kids and the best for the guys that are using it,” said Baker.
The bill, introduced by Councilwoman Yvette Alexander, would make the District the sixth city in the nation to ban the use of the smokeless tobacco products.
Baker said that most players use chewing tobacco to calm their nerves. But he stopped using it when his family urged him to quit.
“My daughter used to pour water in my can and put it back in my car,” said Baker.
The Nationals manger said his son also keeps a close eye on him to make sure he doesn’t use smokeless tobacco. Baker said he understands the frustration of his kids and knows that their goal is to have him around for a long time.
The bill is still making its way through the D.C. Council and a public hearing was held Thursday.
Supporters believe banning smokeless tobacco will help prevent young people from picking up the habit after seeing their favorite players using dip.
“Major League Baseball has been unsuccessful at ending this unhealthy and harmful practice at their sporting events,” Alexander said.
If the ban becomes law, D.C. would join San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City, which have similar bans in place.
A second bill would make it illegal to sell chewing tobacco to anyone under the age of 21 in the District.
WTOP Sports reporter J. Brooks contributed to this report.
