Well, baseball players at a very young age are encouraged to chew gum during the game because it increases their concentration and reduces tension. Many others, especially pros, have chewed tobacco over the years for this same affect. And from someone who has spent many hours on the baseball diamond, I can tell you it does help! Could this be something of a placebo affect?...doubt it. 8 years olds react in a very honest manner...if the gum-chewing wasn't helping them (me), they'd come right out and tell ya. "I ain't chewin' this dumb gum, it's takin' my mind off the game!"