During every baseball game, before Allan goes to bat, he touches his arm, repeats the numbers 5, 7, 9, and then knocks the dirt off his cleats with the bat. These behaviors can help to explain the development of
rituals and superstitions in sports. Allan may have developed these actions as a way to mentally prepare himself for his at-bat, creating a routine that gives him a sense of control and comfort. By repeating the numbers and touching his arm, Allan may be seeking a sense of focus and concentration, while knocking the dirt off his cleats with the bat could be a physical action to release any tension or nerves before stepping up to the plate. Over time, these behaviors may have become ingrained habits that Allan believes contribute to his success at the plate, leading to a reliance on superstition and routine in his pre-game rituals.
