Do Baseball Players Really Need to Wear Eye Black?
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A lot of baseball players wear eye black, but do they really need to? We take a look at the science behind why some people think it works and whether or not it actually does.
Introduction
Eye black is a greasy substance that baseball players apply under their eyes to reduce glare from the sun and stadium lights. It is also said to reduce the amount of UV light that reaches the eyes, and some players believe it helps them focus on the ball. Whether or not eye black actually provides any of these benefits is debatable, but one thing is certain — it looks cool!
The History of Eye Black
The use of eye black by athletes is believed to date back to the early 1900s, when players would smear it on their skin to cut down on glare from the sun. (The substance was also said to have cooling properties.) Early versions of eye black were usually made from burned cork or charcoal. In the 1930s, third baseman Josh Gibson, who played for the Negro League team the Pittsburgh Crawfords, reportedly started using a greasy substance called Mansion polish, which he applied under his eyes with a brush. (The polish was said to help keep Gibson’s face free of dirt and sweat.)
Today, most eye black is made from a grease-like substance called petroleum jelly, which is thought to help reflect light away from the eyes and reduce glare. Some studies have shown that eye black can improve vision by as much as 50 percent. However, there is no scientific evidence that proves that eye black actually helps athletes perform better.
How Eye Black Works
Eye black is a cosmetic substance worn by baseball and softball players to reduce glare from the sun and stadium lights. It is applied in a strip below the eye, usually on both cheeks. Eye black is also worn by football and lacrosse players, as well as by some non-athletes to give them a tougher appearance.
The most commonly used form of eye black is a greasy substance made from soot and petroleum jelly. When applied, it leaves a dark smudge on the skin that absorbs light and reduces glare. Some athletes also use eye black stickers, which are made of thin sheets of carbon paper. These work in the same way as the grease, but they are less messy to apply and remove.
So how does eye black actually work? The human eye is very sensitive to light, and when that light is coming at us from a bright source (like the sun or stadium lights), it can be hard to see clearly. By absorbing some of that light, eye black reduces the amount of glare that reaches our eyes, making it easier to see.
Of course, you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from this trick — anyone who finds themselves squinting in bright light can try it!
Do Baseball Players Really Need to Wear Eye Black?
Most people assume that baseball players wear eye black to cut down on the glare from the sun. However, a study published in 2008 in the journal “Sports Vision” found that there was no significant difference in glare between players who wore eye black and those who didn’t. So why do they do it?
One theory is that it makes them look more intimidating. Another is that it actually does help with on-field performance, but not by reducing glare. According to this theory, the carbon in the eye black absorbs light, which causes the pupil to dilate and improves vision in low-light conditions.
A third theory is that it has nothing to do with vision at all and is simply a superstitious habit. After all, if a player believes that wearing eye black will help him hit a home run, it might just give him the extra boost of confidence he needs to make it happen.
The Pros and Cons of Wearing Eye Black
Eye black is a greasy substance that is applied under the eyes to reduce glare from the sun and stadium lights. It is most commonly seen in baseball, football, and lacrosse, but it is also used in other sports such as hockey, basketball, and rugby.
There are pros and cons to wearing eye black. The main argument for wearing eye black is that it does reduce glare and makes it easier for athletes to see. This can be especially helpful when hitting a baseball or tracking a football in the air. Eye black can also help athletes who suffer from conditions like migraines or cluster headaches by reducing the amount of light that they are exposed to.
However, there are some drawbacks to wearing eye black as well. One is that it can actually make it more difficult for athletes to adjust their vision when they move from a bright area to a darker one, like when a football player goes from the bright sun of the field into a dark tunnel. Additionally, because eye black reduces the amount of light that enters the eye, it can make it more difficult for athletes to see in low-light situations such as night games.
Ultimately, whether or not to wear eye black is a personal decision for each athlete. Some find that it helps them perform better while others find that it causes more problems than it solves.
Conclusion
From the research that has been conducted, it seems that there is no clear answer as to whether or not baseball players need to wear eye black. Some players swear by it, while others say that it doesn’t make a difference. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If a player feels like eye black gives them an edge, then they should continue to use it. However, if a player does not feel like it makes a difference, then there is no need to force themselves to wear it.
