Sports

Baseball Players Turn Phiten Necklaces Into a Fashion Statement

by Jon Azpiri | October 14, 2008 at 09:43 am

10524 views | 3 Recommendations | 4 comments

Baseball fans have taken notice of a fashion accessory popular with players throughout this year's Major League playoffs: Phiten necklaces. Ballplayers throughout the Major Leagues are wearing the titanium necklaces that claim to reduce pain, improve circulation and ease stress.

The trend started with pitcher Randy Johnson, who came across the necklaces during a tour of Japan back in 2001. They gained popularity in 2004 when many member of the Boston Red Sox wore them during the team's historic World Series victory. Many Red Sox players continue to wear the necklaces and Sox ace Josh Beckett even acts as a spokesman fo Phiten. Other baseball players have caught on and Phiten necklaces have appeared aroudn the necks of Johan Santana, Justin Morneau, and Jim Thome. The company even sells necklaces featuring logos of all 30 Major League teams.

Players in other sports are starting to get in on act as several players from the NFL's Seattle Seahawks use Phiten necklaces despite the fact that many health professionals question the product's therapeutic claims.

However, there is no U.S. scientific evidence that the products work, and a University of Washington School of Medicine professor is highly doubtful they improve athletic performance.

"With greater energy, you simply can do more with Phiten," the company says in its literature. However, on necklace samples given to the Seattle P-I, the company states: "This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease," and "individual results may vary." The company also said the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the company's statements.

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JeffHuang

at 10:01 on October 14th, 2008

When I went to Japan I bought some sort of metal bracelet that is supposed to help blood flow and benefit the body. I think it is the same idea as the Phiten Necklace. Don't know if its actually beneficial, but I dont wear it anymore.

Amy Judd

at 10:22 on October 14th, 2008

How will you not know if you don't wear it?

JeffHuang

at 20:25 on October 14th, 2008

haha. I don't know how to answer your question Amy. Maybe I'll dig it out and try it on and tell you if it works. Just kind of hard to measure if it "works" or not I guess.