Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world and is loved by millions of people. Baseball players wear many different kinds of protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and cleats, but one of the most recognizable and iconic pieces of baseball equipment is the black makeup that is worn under the eyes. While this may seem strange or unnecessary to the casual observer, there are actually several important reasons why baseball players wear black makeup. In this article, we will explore why baseball players wear black makeup under their eyes, along with some of the history behind this unique practice.
History of Black Makeup in Baseball
The use of black makeup under the eyes in baseball dates back to the 19th century, when players began to wear eye black to reduce the glare on their eyes from the sun or stadium lights. This practice was popularized in the 1950s by the legendary New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra, who was known for wearing a thick layer of black grease paint under his eyes during games. Since then, the use of black makeup in baseball has continued to grow and is now a common sight at professional baseball games.
Benefits of Wearing Black Makeup
Reducing Glare
The most obvious benefit of wearing black makeup under the eyes is that it helps to reduce the glare from the sun or stadium lights. This is especially important for players who spend a lot of time in the field, as the bright lights can be very distracting and impair their vision. The black makeup helps to block out the light and make it easier to see the ball and the field.
Reducing Sweat
Another reason why players wear black makeup under their eyes is that it helps to reduce sweat and keep their vision clear. During a game, players sweat a lot due to the intense physical activity and the heat of the sun. The black makeup acts as a barrier and helps to keep the sweat from running into the players’ eyes and obscuring their vision.
Creating an Intimidating Look
In addition to providing practical benefits, black makeup under the eyes is also used as a way to create an intimidating look. Players often use the black makeup to create a “game face” that can be intimidating to opponents and help to give the player a competitive edge.
Representing Teams
Many teams also use black makeup as a way to represent their team and create a unified look. Teams often have a specific color of makeup that they use, and this helps to create a sense of unity and team spirit.
Improving Performance
Finally, some players believe that wearing black makeup helps to improve their performance on the field. While this is difficult to prove scientifically, some players feel that the black makeup helps to give them an extra boost of confidence and focus, which can be beneficial during a game.
Potential Risks of Wearing Black Makeup
While there are many benefits to wearing black makeup under the eyes, there are also some potential risks that should be considered. One of the main risks is that the makeup can cause irritation to the skin and eyes if it is not applied correctly. This can lead to redness, itching, and burning. It is important to use a hypoallergenic makeup to reduce the risk of irritation.
Another potential risk is that the makeup can transfer onto other players or the ball. This can cause a distraction and create an unfair advantage for the player wearing the makeup. To avoid this, players should make sure to use a non-transferable makeup and to apply it carefully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baseball players wear black makeup under their eyes for a variety of reasons. The black makeup helps to reduce glare, keep sweat from running into the eyes, create an intimidating look, represent teams, and potentially improve performance. However, there are also potential risks that players should be aware of, such as irritation to the skin and eyes and the risk of transferring onto other players or the ball.