CLEVELAND — Here on the shores of Lake Erie, a movie brought fame to superstition, and the film “Major League” gave rise to the Legend of Jobu. Fictional slugger Pedro Cerrano kept the Voodoo doll in his locker and bestowed upon it offerings of cigars and rum. The Jobu doll so influenced the baseball world that Jobu made his way to the desert town of Kingman, Ariz.
For those still seeking supernatural explanation for the Detroit Tigers’ unprecedented run into MLB ’s postseason, perhaps the answer can be found duct-taped under Laura Skubal’s bed. Advertisement Every spring when her boys were young, the family gathered and watched classic baseball movies. “Major League,” a story about an underdog franchise that runs its way to the playoffs, was a favorite.
So one year Laura received her own version of the pagan figurine as a gag gift. “Don’t talk about the Jobu doll,” Laura said recently, before she proceeded to talk about the Jobu doll. The doll was in her possession during 2020 and 2021, the years Tarik Skubal debuted in the major leagues and surrendered 44 home runs in his first 39 games.
Seeking to cleanse the vibes, Laura searched for a solution. “I duct-taped it and stuck it under my bed,” Laura said, “to get rid of the bad mojo.” Jobu’s dark powers were not immediately tamed.
Skubal needed flexor tendon surgery in 2022. But since his return last season, he has been the best pitcher in baseball, a reality perhaps best highlighted by his ste.