The Hill News

As Major League Baseball started its new season Thursday, a Democratic congressman urged it to ban its players from using chewing tobacco.

Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.), a long-time opponent of chewing tobacco, tweeted his message to the league:

Baseball is back along w/hot dogs & stadium crowds. But chewing tobacco doesn't belong. Urge @MLB  to ban it bc of effect on young people.

Pallone and other Democrats have long argued that big leaguer! s' use of the substance sets a bad example for young players. 

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also cut a video for the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids echoing Pallone's call.

Colleges and minor leagues have banned its players from using smokeless tobacco, which is linked to several types of cancer.