Brent Lillibridge Chooses Grinds Coffee Pouches Over Chewing Tobacco

Brent Lillibridge has never chewed tobacco during his baseball career. As a college standout at Washington, the utility man wore braces, so it was hard to chew, but he still didn’t pick up the habit when given the chance in the big leagues.

But that doesn’t mean Lillibridge doesn’t like to have something to chomp on during games. That’s where Grinds coffee pouches come in.

Whether in Chicago or Boston, the 28-year-old — who was acquired in a trade Sunday for Kevin Youkilis — munches on the healthy alternative to tobacco.

Grinds coffee pouches are used in 20 of 30 Major League Baseball clubhouses. Lillibridge deems himself a satisfied customer, considering he likely would have tried tobacco if there wasn’t another option.

“I probably would’ve chewed, but [Grinds] approached me during spring training this year and said, ‘Hey, do you want to try this stuff?’ and I love it,” Lillibridge said. “It’s an even better replacement for bubble gum with a bunch of sugar in it. It’s great.”

Lillibridge made his first start as a member of the Red Sox on Tuesday in center field alongside Darnell McDonald and Cody Ross. During down time, Lillibridge said he typically chews on Grinds.

“It feeds that [craving] instead of eating or something like that,” Lillibridge said. “It gives you what you’re body needs just to maintain, and the big energy boost I get from it is great. It’s a great product. It services a great purpose, and it tastes great.”

Through five years in the majors, Lillibridge has smacked 16 home runs and 58 RBIs in addition to tallying 30 steals.

Thumbnail via Twitter/@RedSox