Is 1993 all set to repeat itself? Tomorrow’s showdown between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers is shaping up to be one of the most crucial games in this year’s World Series. A win here could tilt the balance and set the stage for a championship clincher back home. The Blue Jays, led by rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage, have been causing surprises. His stellar performance in the record-breaking 12 strikeouts in Game 5 has turned the tide in Toronto’s favor.

While everyone’s focused on the Dodgers’ struggles, Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman is sticking to his own unique prep routine. Gausman has become a bit of a cult figure among fans for the unusual rituals he follows before throwing each pitch. And guess what? The 34-year-old’s foot-tapping ritual before every pitch has recently become a hot topic. This habit of his, where he rhythmically taps his front foot on the mound just before delivering a pitch, was something he did naturally without thinking much about it.

But now Gausman has found himself under closer watch this season as MLB has tightened the rules.

Why does Kevin Gausman tap his foot before every pitch?

While much attention focuses on the Dodgers’ struggles, Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman has maintained his unique pre-pitch ritual. The 34-year-old’s rhythmic foot-tapping on the mound just before delivering a pitch has become a hot topic among fans. This habit developed naturally and helps him find his rhythm and maintain stability throughout the game. Gausman doesn’t consciously count the taps; instead, the ritual boosts his confidence and focus.

The tapping also serves a tactical purpose, disrupting runners’ timing on base and forcing them to lose concentration. Although the ritual may seem unusual, it does not impact Gausman’s pitching effectiveness. His stats this season back that up, finishing with a 10–11 record, a 3.59 ERA (ranking 22nd in the league), 189 strikeouts (tied for 17th), and an impressive 1.06 WHIP (11th overall).

How did Kevin Gausman’s foot-tapping routine develop over time?

Kevin Gausman’s foot-tapping routine developed gradually, starting in 2018 after his trade to the Atlanta Braves. It became a prominent part of his pitching delivery from 2019 through 2022. During this time, umpires occasionally called balks, particularly when runners were on base and Gausman didn’t come to a complete stop. Despite this, most umpires tolerated the routine as part of his unique style.

However, in 2023, MLB introduced a pitch clock rule designed to speed up the game and maintain the flow of play. This rule limits pitchers to 15 seconds to deliver a pitch with bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on. As a result, Gausman’s rocking and foot-tapping motion was classified as a “false start” or balk and was banned.

For Gausman, this change poses a mental challenge as he must now relearn how to get set without falling into his ingrained routine. Although the Blue Jays’ pitching coach, Pete Walker, and manager John Schneider have advised him on the adjustment, he has sometimes slipped back into the old habit. Gausman remarked, “It’s MLB’s way of trying to make everybody more uniform. It’s unfortunate that, for me, it’s something that I do naturally.”

This evolution in Gausman’s routine reflects the tension between individual pitching styles and the league’s efforts to standardize the pace of play for fan engagement and game efficiency.

Are other MLB players known for similar quirky pitching rituals?

Unique pre-pitch rituals are a rich part of MLB culture, common across many players. For instance, Max Scherzer is renowned for his mental preparation; his pre-pitch deep breathing sharpens focus and calms nerves in high-pressure moments. Trevor Bauer made a memorable impression with his elaborate warm-up routine that includes a kendo stick twirl, long tosses, and crow-hop warm-up pitches.

Other players have notable habits: Nomar Garciaparra frequently adjusted his batting gloves and tugged his uniform between pitches, while Wade Boggs famously ate chicken before games, believing it brought him luck. Such rituals, quirky as they may be, offer athletes confidence and help maintain peak performance during intense competition.

This upcoming World Series game, with its echoes of history and passionate performances, is, therefore, not just about physical skill but also the mental games and unique habits that fuel these elite athletes.