Baseball players spitting into their hand before picking up the bat is said to bring good luck. The last player to shoot a basket during the warm-up will have a good basketball game. In football, having double numbers on your jersey will bring good luck.

On the other hand, it is bad luck for hockey sticks to lie crossed. Tennis players can not hold more then two balls at a time while serving or it is considered bad luck.

Superstitions have been around as long as sports themselves. Athletes will do anything to ensure a win for their team. However, will having a double number on your jersey improve your game? Will it really give you talent or make you run faster?

Many athletes would argue “yes.” Psychologically, they will preform better if they complete a certain ritual.

Some Regina athletes share this common practice.

Kate McDonough ’15 has to eat the same breakfast every morning before a track meet. She eats toast with peanut butter, a banana, and tea.

“Its more of a habit now. I don’t really think about it. I just know if I have a meet that is what I eat for breakfast,” said McDonough.

As an athlete, I have a few superstitions myself. I have to listen to a very specific playlist before any basketball game. I have to wear a certain kind of spandex under my uniform shorts and my jersey number is very important to me. I am #51 to remind myself to always be above average. (Average being 50).

However, players are not the only ones who enjoy this part of the athletic world. Many fans have superstitions of their own and truly believe their rituals help the team.

Some fan superstitions range from wearing a certain article of clothing to growing out their beards during playoffs. Those who don’t believe in superstitions have clearly never spoken to a Chicago Cubs fan!

Erin Pins ’15 strongly believes that if she listens to “Chelsea Dagger” on the day of a game, the Blackhawks will lose.

Superstitions may sound silly, or seem like a waste of time and money – but tell that to the teams winning championships and titles!