TAMPA, Fla. — Midway through spring training, the Yankees posted a sign on a bulletin board in their clubhouse, telling players that anyone wanting “nicotine replacement therapy supplies (gum, lozenges or patches) — to kick the habit” should see the team trainer.
On Tuesday, Yankees and Mets players learned that the New York City Council had passed legislation by a 44-3 vote to prohibit the use of all tobacco products, including the smokeless tobacco popular among players, at all ticketed sporting sites in the city, including Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.