Baseball Players Use Black Under Eye Markers
Baseball players use a variety of products to put black marks under their eyes, often referred to as “eye black”. This practice has become commonplace in the sport and is widely used to reduce glare from the sun and opposing teams’ stadium lights. But what exactly do baseball players use to put black under their eyes?
What is Eye Black?
Eye black is a greasy substance that is applied under the eyes to reduce glare. It is usually made of a combination of beeswax, paraffin, and carbon. Eye black is usually in the form of a thin strip or a sticker and is applied by the players themselves. It is designed to absorb light and reduce the glare of the sun or stadium lights.
History of Eye Black
The practice of wearing eye black dates back to the 1940s when it became popular among football players. While the exact origin of the practice is unclear, it is believed to have started with a high school football player in Ohio. In the 1950s, eye black became popular among baseball players and has since become a staple of the sport.
Why Do Baseball Players Wear Eye Black?
Baseball players wear eye black for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is to reduce glare from the sun or stadium lights. When the sun is low in the sky, the glare can be blinding, making it difficult for a player to track the ball. Similarly, when a ball is hit directly into the lights, the glare can be so intense that it is difficult to see the ball. By wearing eye black, baseball players can reduce the glare and make it easier to track the ball.
Types of Eye Black
There are several different types of eye black that baseball players use. The most popular type is the traditional black grease, which is a combination of beeswax, paraffin, and carbon. This type of eye black provides the most protection against glare and can last up to four hours. Another popular type is the stick-on eye black, which is a thin strip of material that adheres to the skin and provides protection against glare.
Eye Black Products
There are several eye black products on the market today. The most popular products are Mizuno Eye Black Stickers, Under Armour Eye Black Strips, and Rawlings Eye Black. Each of these products is designed to reduce glare and provide long-lasting protection.
How to Apply Eye Black
Applying eye black is a relatively simple process. For traditional black grease, the player should start by washing their face with warm water. Once the face is clean, the player should apply the black grease to the area under their eyes using their fingertips. For stick-on eye black, the player should simply peel off the backing and place the strip on the area under their eyes.
Benefits of Wearing Eye Black
In addition to reducing glare, there are several other benefits to wearing eye black. Wearing eye black can help players better focus on the ball and can also help mask their facial expressions from opponents. Furthermore, wearing eye black can help players look more intimidating, which can help intimidate opposing players.
Tips for Wearing Eye Black
When wearing eye black, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, it is important to ensure that the eye black is applied evenly on both sides of the face. Secondly, it is important to avoid getting the eye black in the eyes, as it can cause irritation. Lastly, it is important to remove the eye black before going to bed, as it can cause smudging and staining on the pillow.
Conclusion
Baseball players use a variety of products to put black marks under their eyes, often referred to as “eye black”. This practice has become commonplace in the sport and is widely used to reduce glare from the sun and opposing teams’ stadium lights. The most popular products are Mizuno Eye Black Stickers, Under Armour Eye Black Strips, and Rawlings Eye Black. Applying eye black is a relatively simple process, and there are several benefits to wearing eye black, such as better focus, masking facial expressions, and looking more intimidating. When wearing eye black, it is important to ensure that the eye black is applied evenly on both sides of the face, avoid getting the eye black in the eyes, and remove the eye black before going to bed.