15 Craziest Superstitions in Sports History

Sports and superstition often go hand in hand, with athletes following quirky rituals, hoping to improve their performance. From lucky socks to bizarre pre-game routines, the world of sports has seen some strange superstitions throughout history. This article explores 15 of the craziest superstitions in sports, revealing how athletes have relied on their beliefs to bring them good luck and success.

Tricia Quitales
April 3, 2025
6 min read

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Superstitions have been an integral part of sports for centuries, influencing players’ behavior on and off the field. Many athletes adhere to strange rituals, believing that their success depends on maintaining these quirky habits. This article dives into 15 of the most bizarre superstitions in sports history, from players avoiding certain numbers to wearing specific items for good luck. These stories show how superstition has shaped the way athletes approach their games, often with humorous or mysterious outcomes.

1. Michael Jordan’s “Lucky Shorts”

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Basketball legend Michael Jordan is famous for his superstition of wearing a pair of red, black, and white University of North Carolina shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform. He believed those shorts brought him good luck and helped him channel his college success into the NBA. Jordan kept this ritual throughout his career, making it one of the most well-known superstitions in sports history.

2. Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot”

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In the 1932 World Series, baseball icon Babe Ruth allegedly called his shot before hitting a home run. While the event is still debated, Ruth’s belief in his ability to predict the future became a superstition. He was known to rely on his confidence in predicting success, making this moment legendary for both the game and his superstition.

3. The Curse of the Bambino

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After trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919, the Boston Red Sox were said to be cursed, unable to win a World Series for 86 years. Fans and players alike believed in the “Curse of the Bambino,” thinking that the trade had brought bad luck to the team.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Pre-Game Rituals

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Cristiano Ronaldo has some unusual pre-game rituals, including putting on his socks and shoes in a specific order. He believes these little details help him focus and ensure a successful match. Ronaldo has been known to perform these routines no matter where he plays, making them an important part of his superstition.

5. The “Flying Dutchman” and His Socks

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Dutch soccer player Ruud Gullit was known for wearing the same socks throughout a match, never changing them during halftime. He believed that wearing his socks for the full 90 minutes would bring him good luck and ensure that he played well. Gullit’s quirky superstition was one of the many rituals he followed during his illustrious career.

6. Lebron James’ Powder Toss

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NBA star LeBron James has a signature pre-game ritual: throwing powder into the air before each game. This gesture has become iconic, and James himself has admitted that it’s all about focusing and creating positive energy. It’s not just a show; LeBron believes it helps him get the right mindset to play his best.

7. The “Curse of the Billy Goat”

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In 1945, a Chicago Cubs fan was kicked out of Wrigley Field for bringing his goat into the stadium. He cursed the team, saying they would never win a World Series again. The Cubs failed to win a championship for 71 years, leading fans and players to believe in the “Curse of the Billy Goat.” This superstition was only broken when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series, ending the curse.

8. Tom Brady’s Superstitions with His Jersey

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NFL superstar Tom Brady follows a strict routine before every game, including wearing a specific brand of jersey and a certain pair of socks. He believes these superstitions help him stay focused and improve his performance. Brady has admitted that these rituals are deeply ingrained in his pre-game routine and are essential to his mental preparation.

9. The Number 13 and NFL Players

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Many NFL players believe that the number 13 is unlucky, leading to the superstition of avoiding it. Some players even refuse to wear jerseys with the number 13, fearing it will bring bad luck during games. This belief is so strong that some teams have outright banned the number from their roster.

10. Serena Williams’ Beads and Socks

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Tennis champion Serena Williams has a set of superstitions she follows during matches, including wearing the same pair of socks and beads throughout tournaments. She believes these items bring her good luck and help her stay focused during matches. Williams’s unique rituals have become part of her powerful game.

11. The Superstition of the Red Sox “Green Monster”

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The Green Monster is the nickname for the famous left-field wall at Fenway Park in Boston, and many Red Sox players have a superstition about it. Some players believe that hitting the wall during a game will bring good luck, while others think avoiding it brings a better chance of success. This quirky superstition has been passed down through generations of players.

12. Usain Bolt’s Pre-Race Dance

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Before every race, legendary sprinter Usain Bolt dances to pump himself up. This ritual has become part of his superstition, which he believes helps him get the right mindset for the race. Bolt’s iconic pre-race moves have become as famous as his incredible speed on the track.

13. Tiger Woods’ Red Shirt on Sundays

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Golf star Tiger Woods has a well-known superstition where he wears a red shirt on the final day of major tournaments. Woods believes this color helps him perform at his best and gives him an edge over his competition. His Sunday red shirt has become a signature part of his game and a powerful superstition.

14. The “Hockey Curse” of the Toronto Maple Leafs

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The Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the NHL’s most famous teams, are often considered cursed by their fans. Many believe the team has suffered from a “curse” due to a series of bizarre events and decisions made by the organization. The superstition has remained strong among fans despite the team having had varying degrees of success.

15. The Ritual of the “Lucky Penny”

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Many athletes in different sports have a superstition involving lucky pennies. Some believe carrying a penny or finding one during a game will bring good luck and boost performance. Players from various sports have followed this simple superstition, showing how small beliefs can have a big impact.