Yankee Stadium got a new addition — or, more accurately, a subtraction — on Wednesday. Smokeless tobacco, long part of baseball’s backdrop, can no longer be used by players, coaches and managers while they are at the Yankees’ ballpark or at Citi Field, the home of the Mets.
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed legislation prohibiting the use of the tobacco at New York City sports and recreational facilities that issue tickets. Amid the influx of new rules in baseball, not only can a Yankee or a Met no longer take out the shortstop by sliding wide of second base, he could cause his team to be subject to a city penalty if he were to use smokeless tobacco before, during or after the game.