Why Big League Chew Bubble Gum Is Shredded

We all have memories from our childhood that bring us nostalgia, whether it's a place or, in this case, a food item that encapsulates what it was like to be young and carefree. Back then, candy was a sight to behold. Everything from candy cigarettes to wax lips were hot commodities, but a little thing called Big League Chew is an even more of a nostalgia boost. From the first rip of the package to the strips of each piece, this type and flavor of chewing gum was something kids had on hand when hanging out at the baseball diamond. In fact, it probably gave Fruit Stripe Gum a run for its money at the time. 

Speaking of, have you ever wondered why Big League Chew gum comes as shreds versus the typical shape of gum? There's actually a reason why the official gum of USA Baseball is produced as such, and it all started in the 1970s with a man named Rob Nelson, a player for the Portland Mavericks. 

Chewing tobacco was all the rage back then and was readily available for players to use while on the field. His idea of Big League Chew spawned from the notion that kids and adults alike would enjoy it for different reasons. Given that the chewing gum came in shredded pieces to mimic chewing tobacco, it would still entice a younger crowd for its unique shape and become an alternative for players who wanted to kick their tobacco habit. 

Through many trials and errors and a $10,000 loan from a friend who played for the New York Yankees, Rob Nelson's dream came to fruition in 1980 when Big League Chew was officially sold in stores nationwide. From the unique packaging and colorful branding, the product was positively received throughout the years as a quirky play on chewing tobacco for adults and a sweet treat for kiddos to share with friends on and off the baseball diamond. 

Nelson's entrepreneurial spirit led him to a thriving million-dollar business that's still strong today. The success has granted opportunities like a long-time sponsorship with the Baseball Hall of Fame, the expansion to various flavors and novelties, and producing the billionth Big League Chew package in 2023. It's safe to say Big League Chew will be a mainstay in the candy and baseball industry for many years to come with its bubble-inducing attributes and "always fresh" taste.