Superstition is a common trait that crosses nationalities, financial status, education and intelligence. Luck is a form of superstition that gives us some sense of control over random events. The odds of winning the lottery are minuscule but large jackpots will cause lines of people around the local lottery machine. We hope for order in the universe and wait our turn to cash in. Luck is an illusion of control but control is what we seek in a random life.
Superstition is pervasive in our everyday lives and even more so in athletics.
From the free throw line in basketball to a batter preparing for a pitch in baseball, superstition effects performance. Most athletes have an array of tips, tricks and charms that they feel improves their performance. An example of superstition in athletics is baseball great Wade Boggs, who during his career has eaten chicken before every game. Boggs is destined to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and it can be argued that the chicken has had a part in his success. If he felt eating chicken before the game warded off bad luck, created luck, or gave him some sense of control over the uncontrollable, than eating chicken is his lucky charm.