New York Mayor Bill De Blasio has signed a bill that bans the use of smokeless tobacco products at all ticketed baseball stadiums, sports arenas and recreation areas.

De Blasio signed the bill Wednesday. He said the legislation was important to the health of baseball players and the people of New York.

The City Council approved the legislation last month by a vote of 44-3. It was sponsored by Council Member Corey Johnson.

Similar bans previously were enacted that impacted Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco ballparks. Both the Mets and Yankees have said they support the ban.

Matthew Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, says it sends the message to "young fans that chewing tobacco is dangerous and should not be an accepted part of sports culture."

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