Brewers' Pre-Game Cigarette Ritual Fueled World Series Run

The Milwaukee Brewers embraced a distinctive pre-game ritual during their championship run, smoking cigarettes during batting practice as a nod to baseball's past.

Outfielder Christian Yelich described the practice to ESPN, noting that seeing "the cigs lit" before games signaled the team was prepared. This unconventional habit served as a "rally heater," a way for players to get energized for crucial matchups.

The Brewers entered the 2026 postseason as Major League Baseball's top seed, boasting a 103-59 regular-season record. They proceeded to dominate the playoffs, compiling an 11-2 record against the Padres, Dodgers, and Rays. Their performance included a sweep of the Dodgers and a 4-1 series victory over the Rays in the World Series.

Following their World Series-clinching win, players like Jake Bauers, Sal Frelick, and Brandon Woodruff were observed smoking cigarettes. This practice echoes trends seen in other recent baseball celebrations, such as Cleveland Guardians players smoking after clinching their division title.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the presence of players who smoke cigarettes is not uncommon across MLB, even after the league banned smokeless tobacco in the 2016 collective bargaining agreement. The Brewers' unique ritual appears to have been an effective element of their championship strategy, contributing to a successful postseason campaign.