Just as some of Major League Baseball?s finest have incorporated chewing tobacco into their daily routines, so have they smoked cigars. Here are five of Major League Baseball?s most talented athletes ? men who have spent their entire lives crushing the baseball ? who never shied away from enjoying a quality stogie.
Lou Gehrig
With an incredibly impressive baseball resume, Lou Gehrig captured the hearts and applause of not just New York, but the entire United States. Having maintained the MLB American League record for most RBIs in a season to date (184), The Iron Horse deserved many things, among them: vast opportunities to sit back, relax, and enjoy a tasteful cigar.
Roger Maris
It?s no wonder why Roger Maris partook in his fair of share of cigar smoking. After all, back in 1961, the young right fielder received various death threats and hate mail for succeeding Babe Ruth as the all-time leader in single season home runs. The irony? Roger Maris was a Yankee at the time! Keep smoking those cigars in heaven, Roger. You deserve them.
Babe Ruth
Speaking of The Great Bambino, good ol? Babe Ruth may have just been the most iconic of baseball cigar smokers. Leading the entire major league in career home runs until 1974, Babe Ruth demonstrated a respectable amount of self-indulgence. After the sport of baseball, food, booze, and beautiful women, exceptional cigars satisfied The Babe the most.
Barry Bonds
Another slugger?! There seems to be a pattern here! Barry Bonds, Major League Baseball?s most controversial player, found himself celebrating plenty of times. Who wouldn't celebrate with his boast of achievements? Most career home runs, most home runs in a single season, looking like a boss?with a cigar in his mouth? Can't beat it.
Alex Rodriguez
Otherwise known as A-Rod, this famous New York Yankee belongs to the 3,000-hit, 2000-RBI, and 600-home run club. Notably, the All-Star third baseman retired shy just five home runs from joining the ranks of Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth in the 700-home run club. Sure, he could have stayed an extra year in the MLB with a high likelihood of achieving this feat. But he didn't; and I?m not too sure he cares. I imagine Alex Rodriguez is doing just fine, sitting beachside, drink in left hand, nice big Cuban in his right.