Are more athletes and coaches kicking smoking habit?

But ...

“It’s hard to go down there in the sixth inning,” Leyland cracked to The Grand Rapids Press.

But what’s even more surprising about the attention Leyland is receiving because of the new law is that it’s just him we’re asking about. Used to be that you couldn’t go 10 athlete pictures without seeing someone with a cigarette in his hand, either in the locker room or elsewhere.

Golf officials have been upset in the past when photos have been published of golfers with cigarettes in their mouths during practice rounds.

But the athletes have mostly taken the cigarettes out of public view. Maybe they’ve chosen fitness over smoking. Or maybe they just don’t want anyone to see.

Either way, when we were looking for someone’s sports opinion in Michigan on a smoking law, a reporter went right to Leyland.

He just might be less likely to quickly forgive strikeouts.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.