Baseball, Why all the spitting?

[GentlemanJim]

I used to expect it back when chewing tobacco was widespread, but now they are not allowed to do so onfield, or at least be discreet enough about it to avoid exposure.

But still I see major league baseball players constantly spitting, despite the Covid risk, and in addition to being gross, there is the risk of transmission.

Jose Altuve is the worst, he's like a 4 foot tall lawn sprinkler standing in the batters box.

Really makes me wonder after watching 6+ innings of batters taking their turn, then seeing some base runner make a head-first slide into home plate....you just know he's picking some of that up. BLEACH!!