Gwynn's Death May Force MLB To Consider Ban On Smokeless Tobacco
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The death of hall of famer Tony Gwynn from salivary gland cancer is tragic. It is clear the player was beloved not just because of his ability to hit but because of his great personality and leadership skills.
He has a great legacy but many are pointing to Major League Baseball and asking the leadership of the sport and the unions to ban smokeless tobacco which has been linked to numerous types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, tongue, cheek, gums and throat.
Stephen Strasburg of the Nationals played for Tony Gwynn while in college and has said he will quit chewing because of what happened to his former coach, but a ban could help not only the players who use it in the majors but kids throughout the country who copy them.