Baseball has been a popular sport for centuries, and with it come certain traditions and rituals that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of these traditions is the wearing of stripes under the eyes of baseball players. The stripes, often referred to as “eye black,” are worn to reduce the glare of the sun and improve the players’ vision during games. In this article, we will explore the history of eye black, why baseball players wear it, and the science behind its effectiveness.
History of Eye Black
The first use of eye black in baseball dates back to the late 19th century when players began to wear it to reduce the sun’s glare and improve their vision. While the exact origin of the practice is unclear, it is believed to have originated with the legendary Ty Cobb. Cobb, who played professional baseball in the early 1900s, was known to wear eye black during games to improve his vision. Since then, the practice has become a tradition in baseball, with both amateur and professional players regularly wearing it during games.
Why Do Baseball Players Wear Eye Black?
There are a number of reasons why baseball players wear eye black. The most obvious reason is to reduce the sun’s glare and improve the player’s vision. The dark stripes under the eyes help to reduce the amount of light that reaches the eyes, making it easier for the player to see the ball and make plays. In addition to this, eye black can also be used to reduce sweat and prevent it from dripping into the eyes, which can be a major distraction during a game.
The Science Behind Eye Black
In recent years, scientists have studied the effectiveness of eye black in reducing the sun’s glare and improving players’ vision. It has been found that the stripes of eye black can reduce the amount of light that reaches the eyes by up to 60%, making it easier for players to see the ball and make plays. In addition to this, the dark stripes can also reduce the amount of sweat that reaches the eyes, preventing it from becoming a distraction during games.
Types of Eye Black
There are a variety of types of eye black available on the market today. The most common type is a solid strip of eye black that is applied directly to the skin. This type of eye black is usually made of a wax-like substance and is designed to stay in place during the course of a game. Other types of eye black include adhesive strips and pre-cut stickers, which can be applied to the skin and removed easily at the end of a game.
Benefits of Wearing Eye Black
In addition to reducing the sun’s glare and improving players’ vision, eye black can also provide a number of other benefits. For example, some players believe that wearing eye black helps to intimidate the opposing team and can give them a psychological edge. In addition to this, some players also believe that the stripes under their eyes make them look tougher and more intimidating.
Safety Tips for Wearing Eye Black
When applying eye black, it is important to take certain safety precautions to ensure that the product is applied properly and does not cause any skin irritation. Before applying the eye black, it is important to make sure that the skin is clean and dry, and free of any oils or moisturizers. It is also important to follow the instructions provided with the product and to avoid getting it in the eyes or on the eyelids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eye black has been a tradition in baseball for many years and is still worn by players today. The stripes of eye black help to reduce the sun’s glare and improve the players’ vision during games. In addition to this, they can also provide a number of other benefits, such as intimidating the opposing team and making the players look tougher. It is important to take safety precautions when applying eye black, and to follow the instructions provided with the product.