California Assemblyman Tony Thurmond is expected to introduce a bill Tuesday that seeks to ban chewing tobacco from all Major League Baseball stadiums in the state.
The bill comes less than a year after retired San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn died from cancer of the salivary glands, Reuters reported.
“Tony Gwynn was somebody I thought was a spokesman for baseball, a great role model as a person,” said Mr. Thurmond, a Democrat. “I’m hopeful that this bill will lend to his legacy, that it will help to prevent illness for young people and young athletes.”
Major League Baseball has banned smoking, but only strongly discourages dipping. Mr. Thurmond’s bill would ban the use of all tobacco products at baseball stadiums in California, including electronic cigarettes, Reuters reported.
The legislation would reportedly require stadiums to post signs at all entrances and in the dugouts, bullpens, locker rooms and bathrooms at AT&T Park, the O.Co Coliseum, Angel Stadium, Dodger Stadium and Petco Park.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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