Odd Gum Ritual?

[Manny A]

From the article:

This one’s a little weird, guys. It seems that MLB umpire Jordan Baker, who is not the tennis-playing high society lady from The Great Gatsby but a real live rookie umpire, has a bizarre tradition. At the end of every half inning of each ballgame he umpires, he throws his gum behind him into left field.

Damn, he must really wear out his arm when he's doing that while working the plate.

I usually give the Sign of the Cross and say a quick prayer right after the catcher throws it down in the top of the first inning. Nothing more than, "God, don't let anyone get seriously hurt out here, and don't let me suck too bad."