Brewers Controversially Decided to Smoke Cigarettes Before World Series Games, Christian Yelich Says

Christian Yelich on Oct. 28, 2026Credit: Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via GettyNEED TO KNOWThe Milwaukee Brewers smoked cigarettes during batting practice before each game of the World Series, Christian Yelich said“You walk by the cage and see the cigs lit,” Yelich told ESPN, adding, “and you’re like, the boys are ready to rock”Smoking cigarettes is a life-threatening habit that puts users at risk for cancer, stroke, heart attack, lung disease and other health issuesMilwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich is opening up about the team’s controversial pregame routine during their triumphant World Series run.Speaking to ESPN, Yelich said the team smoked cigarettes during batting practice before each game of the Fall Classic, which ended Wednesday, Oct. 28, when the Brewers topped the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5. “You walk by the cage and see the cigs lit,” Yelich said, adding, “and you’re like, the boys are ready to rock.”Smoking cigarettes is a life-threatening habit that puts users at risk for cancer, stroke, heart attack, lung disease and other health issues.The Brewers considered the move a good luck charm of sorts, Yelich said. Moments after the team clinched their first World Series title, Brewers stars Jake Bauers, Sal Frelick and Brandon Woodruff celebrated with cigarettes, per ESPN.The Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after winning the 2026 World SeriesCredit: Mike Stobe/GettyAlthough cigarette use among MLB players has dropped significantly, ESPN reports “every clubhouse in MLB features at least one player who relishes a dart now and again.”Last season, Matt Festa, Slade Cecconi and Hunter Gaddisof the Cleveland Guardianscelebrated their AL Central title with a round of smokes, as seen in photos shared by TMZ.In 2016, a ban on smokeless tobacco was included in MLB’s collective bargaining agreement. At the time, Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, told ESPN, “The new collective bargaining agreement reached last night by Major League Baseball owners and players takes a major step forward in removing tobacco from the game by prohibiting all new MLB players from using smokeless tobacco, like chew, dip and snuff.”Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!He added, “Combined with the fact that 12 major league cities already have prohibitions on tobacco use at their baseball parks by all players and team personnel, baseball is now on a clear path to become tobacco-free in the very near future.”If you or someone you know is struggling with nicotine addiction, visit www.Undo.org for support.Read the original article on People