What it is
Shredded bubble gum in a pouch, made to look like chewing tobacco.
The story
- 1980: first made by Rob Nelson and Todd Field of the Portland Mavericks baseball team.
Fun facts
- It came out in May 1980 in classic pink.
- Former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton pitched it to Wrigley as a healthier alternative to tobacco for players.
- More than a billion pouches had sold by April 2023.
Is Big League Chew still made?
Yes. Big League Chew is still made, by Ford Gum & Machine Company, Akron, New York. Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Big League Chew on Amazon.
If you like Big League Chew
- Hubba Bubba (1979): A soft bubble gum made to be less sticky, so a popped bubble peels off your face more easily.
- Bubble Yum (1976): A soft, easy-to-chew bubble gum in chunky pieces.
- Freshen Up gum (1975): Square gum with a liquid center that squirts when you bite.
- Bubble Tape (1988): Six feet of bubble gum rolled up in a round plastic case about the size of a hockey puck.
See every candy from the 1980s or all chewing gum.
Frequently asked questions
When did Big League Chew come out?
Big League Chew was first made in 1980, by Rob Nelson and Todd Field of the Portland Mavericks baseball team.
Who makes Big League Chew now?
Ford Gum & Machine Company, Akron, New York.
Is Big League Chew discontinued?
No. Big League Chew is still made by Ford Gum & Machine Company, Akron, New York.
Questions and memories from readers
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Sources
Checked October 22, 2026. Big League Chew is a trademark of its owner; this page is not connected to the maker. How we check our facts.
