Big League Chew

This imitative pouch of shredded bubblegum harkened to times when baseball players chewed tobacco openly, and with extreme prejudice; spitting brown missiles from a great bulge in the cheek, it was a sign of prowess perhaps. Portland Mavericks left hander Rob Nelson thought about the inherent dangers of tobacco use, and the possibility of a bubblegum alternative. He and pitcher friend and former Yankee all star Jim Bouton landed the idea with the owners of the Chicago Cubs—the Wrigley Company. The idea took hold, and the product was launched just in time for little league season in May of 1980.

Advertisements graced Saturday morning cartoon fare. Wads were shoved into mouths with gusto, as aluminum bats were swung, and leather fielding mitts warmed with wear. “You’re in the big leagues, when you’re into Big League Chew” the ad would say. And the ad was right. Big League Chew, in its shredded, fimbriated shag delivered, at first taste, a satisfying, almost euphoric blast of bubblegum flavor. A giant hank could be worked up. An entire pouch, with a little effort, could be culled into the side of a cheek, and manliness was to be had. Perhaps a superfluous spit was in order. Big League Chew is still made in America by Ford Gum & Machine Company in Akron.