Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a second-deck home run on June 3, 2026 [1], while wearing a pair of pants borrowed from teammate Giancarlo Stanton [1].
The event highlights the role of superstition in professional sports, specifically how players seek psychological edges when struggling with performance consistency.
Chisholm turned to the borrowed apparel to combat a significant hitting slump. Before adopting the superstition, his slash line stood at .203/.281/.327, featuring four home runs and a 74 wRC+ [3]. The home run occurred during a game between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians [1].
Stanton, who provided the clothing, joked about the effectiveness of the gear. "They've got homers in them," Stanton said [2].
Chisholm has attributed his recent improvement to a combination of borrowed equipment. "I credit Giancarlo's lucky pants and Caballero's bat for my hot streak," Chisholm said [4]. He further noted that his teammates love the gear [5].
While the home run provided a highlight for the Yankees, the reliance on "lucky" equipment is a common occurrence in Major League Baseball. Players often cycle through various bats, gloves, and clothing items, sometimes borrowed from high-performing teammates, to regain confidence at the plate.
“"They've got homers in them."”
The use of 'lucky' charms in MLB often serves as a psychological reset for players in a slump. By shifting their focus to a tangible, external object, players can reduce the mental pressure of a performance dip, potentially allowing their natural mechanics to return.
