Big League Chew: the bubble gum of baseball legends

Where does Big League Chew come from?

It's 1977, in the bullpen of the Portland Mavericks minor league team in Oregon. Left-handed pitcher Rob Nelson watches his teammates chew tobacco and has an idea: what if you replaced the chew with shredded bubble gum in a pouch? He floats the idea to teammate Jim Bouton, a former New York Yankees star. Bouton's eyes went wide. "I can sell that," he said.

On February 6, 1979 — Babe Ruth's birthday, you can't make this up — Nelson made the first batch by hand with a pizza knife. Less than a year later, Big League Chew hit store shelves. First year: $18 million in sales. Today, over a billion pouches have been sold, and the brand has been honored as the "Hall of Fame Bubble Gum" by the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

What's the concept?

A resealable pouch of shredded bubble gum ribbons, styled like a chewing tobacco pouch — without the downsides. Grab a pinch, tuck it in your cheek, and play the pro. Simple, brilliant and perfectly American.

Big League Chew flavors to discover

• Big League Chew Original — the classic bubblegum flavor, the one since 1980.
• Big League Chew Grape — sweet and fruity grape.
• Big League Chew Watermelon — refreshing watermelon.
• Big League Chew Sour Apple — for fans of tangy flavors.

Frequently asked questions

What is shredded gum?

Bubble gum cut into fine ribbons and packed in a resealable pouch. The format visually mimics a chewing tobacco pouch, but it's regular bubble gum — perfectly suitable for all ages.

Is it just for kids?

It's for everyone. Kids love the grown-up pouch format, and adults enjoy the nostalgia. On American baseball fields, it's a multigenerational classic.

Where to buy Big League Chew?

At My American Market, we hunt down the real US versions. Round out your order with our other American candy.

You might also like: Bubble Yum, Bubblicious, Fun Dip.