10 MLB Players With the Most Unique Pregame Rituals

From Giambi’s golden thong to the team laughter sessions of Sandoval, these MLB stars turned these interesting habits into legendary pre-game rituals.

Rajat Srivastava
October 20, 2025
4 min read

10 MLB Players With the Most Unique Pregame Rituals — Imagn Images

These 10 MLB players turned pre-game rituals into unforgettable parts of baseball legend. From Sandoval’s team therapy sessions to Jason Giambi’s lucky golden thong, each superstition reflected their personalities and mental preparation. Ichiro’s precision, Nomar Garciaparra’s glove tugs, and Turk Wendell’s tooth-brushing routine all showed how players found focus in quirks. These habits, strange yet sincere, added fun, charm, and individuality to the sport’s tradition.

10. Pedro Martínez

Pedro Martínez was known for playful, unpredictable pregame habits like talking to baseballs, joking with teammates, and even rubbing the mound for luck. His mix of humor and superstition reflected his free-spirited personality and confidence. Pedro believed staying loose mentally made him sharper on the mound, and given his Hall of Fame career, his unorthodox approach clearly worked wonders.

9. Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel’s intimidating stance before the pitch is a ritual in itself. Before every pitch, he bends over like a predator stalking it’s prey. This routine is part focus, part intimidation, and entirely unique. People call it “The Kimbrel Pose.” Beyond the drama, it helps him lock in before unleashing his dominant fastball, making it one of iconic ritual in MLB.

8. Rafael Palmeiro

Rafael Palmeiro followed a strict grooming ritual before every game by shaving and trimming his mustache perfectly. He believed that his well groomed personality helped him on the field. This odd superstition turned into his signature style, as fans came to associate his neatly groomed mustache. This activity certainly became part of his identity.

7. Turk Wendell

Turk Wendell was quite popular for his eccentricity. The relief pitcher brushed his teeth between innings and jumped over baselines. He even wore a necklace made of animal teeth from his hunts. While these strange habits might have seemed like superstition, Wendell believed it kept him sharp and relaxed under pressure. He was truly an unforgettable personality in MLB history.

6. Mark Teixeira

Mark Teixeira had a very detailed pre-game schedule. He would always chew the same brand of gum, drink two cups of coffee, and would warm up in a particular order. His attention to detail was well known in MLB. Teixeira believed repetition built confidence. His strict habits might’ve looked excessive on the field, but it clearly worked for him.

5. Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro’s habits were as perfect as his swing. Before every at-bat, he would stretch, adjust his sleeve, point the bat toward the pitcher, and then take his time. This elaborate ritual helped him calm his mind and stay focussed. He was well known for his discipline and preparation. And, Ichiro’s habits showed his respect for the game

4. Wade Boggs

Wade Boggs’ pre-game superstitions were legendary. He ate chicken before every game, earning the nickname “Chicken Man”. He also practiced at the same exact time daily and had a precise training schedule. Boggs believed these habits kept him consistent and focused. In spite of the eccentric habits, his career batting average and Hall of Fame resume proved his rituals worked wonders for him.

3. Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi’s ritual was mainly practised by him during his poor form as he used to wear a golden thong at that time. Believing it improved his luck, so he wasn’t shy about admitting it. The superstition became an inside joke in MLB, as his teammates even borrowed it for good fortune. As bizarre as it sounds, Giambi believed it helped break the streaks of poor performance and motivate him during that time.

2. Nomar Garciaparra

Nomar’s pre-batting routine was legendary. He used to tug at his batting gloves, tap his toes, and fidget nonstop before every pitch. This quirky ritual became so famous that it would even be copied by the fans in the stands. This detailed ritual helped him to stay focussed. Garciaparra’s love for perfection made his pre-bat ritual one of baseball’s most interesting sights.

1. Pablo Sandoval

Pablo “Kung Fu Panda” Sandoval was as joyful as he was talented, and his pre-game rituals revealed this side of his personality. Before games, he’d often dance and joke with teammates, and blast Latin music to keep everyone in good mood. His energy helped ease tension before big games. Sandoval believed that staying happy kept him sharp and that positive vibe carried him through impactful postseason performances and Championship glory.