Jesse Chavez, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, has been making headlines for his recent decision to wear prescription sunglasses while pitching. In interviews, Chavez has cited his frustration with constantly changing out contact lenses as a key motivator for the switch.
But what are the benefits of wearing sunglasses while pitching, and how do they compare to contact lenses or other forms of eyewear?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of wearing sunglasses on the mound, and delve into why Jesse Chavez and other pitchers may choose to wear them.
Whether you’re a baseball fan or just curious about the role of equipment in athletic performance, read on to learn more about this unique aspect of the sport.
Advantages of Wearing Sunglasses While Pitching
Reduced Eye Strain and Fatigue
Pitching is an intense and demanding activity that requires focus and precision. When a pitcher is on the mound, they need to keep their eyes on the ball and monitor the movements of the batter and their teammates.
This can lead to eye strain and fatigue over time. Wearing sunglasses with the correct prescription can help to reduce these effects and keep a pitcher’s eyes fresh and alert throughout the game.
Protection From the Sun and Stadium Lights
Outdoor baseball games can be played in bright sunlight or under artificial stadium lights. These conditions can cause glare, which can be distracting and make it difficult for a pitcher to see the ball clearly.
Sunglasses with appropriate tint can help to reduce glare and protect a pitcher’s eyes from harmful UV rays, making it easier for them to see the ball and focus on their performance.
Improved Focus and Concentration
Pitching requires intense concentration and focus, and any distractions can impact a pitcher’s performance. Wearing sunglasses can help to block out peripheral distractions and allow a pitcher to maintain their focus on the task at hand.
Additionally, the tint of the sunglasses can help to create a “tunnel vision” effect, which can help to hone a pitcher’s focus on the target.
Potential to Enhance Depth Perception
Depth perception is a crucial aspect of pitching, as it allows a pitcher to accurately judge the distance between themselves and the batter, as well as the location of the strike zone.
Wearing sunglasses with appropriate tint can help to enhance depth perception, making it easier for a pitcher to judge the distance of the ball and improve their accuracy.
Why Chavez Prefers Sunglasses to Contact Lenses
In interviews, Jesse Chavez has mentioned that he has worn contact lenses in the past, but has found them to be inconvenient and uncomfortable for pitching.
Contact lenses can be difficult to put in and take out, and they can also cause dryness or irritation in the eyes, which can be especially problematic for athletes who need to maintain optimal eye health and comfort.
The Potential Drawbacks of Contact Lenses for Athletes
Contact lenses can also pose certain risks for athletes, particularly in high-contact sports like baseball. If a contact lens becomes dislodged during play, it can cause significant discomfort or even injury to the eye.
Additionally, wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections or other complications, especially if proper hygiene practices are not followed.
The Convenience and Comfort of Prescription Sunglasses
By contrast, prescription sunglasses offer a number of benefits for athletes like Chavez. They are easy to put on and take off, and they provide consistent vision throughout the game.
Sunglasses also offer protection from the sun and other environmental factors, which can help to prevent eye strain and fatigue.
Finally, wearing prescription sunglasses can be a matter of personal preference and comfort, and Chavez may simply find them to be a better option for his own needs and preferences.
Other Pitchers Who Wear Sunglasses
Jesse Chavez is not the only MLB pitcher who has opted to wear sunglasses while pitching. In fact, several other pitchers have also been spotted wearing sunglasses on the mound, including Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, and Masahiro Tanaka.
Reasons Why Other Pitchers May Choose to Wear Sunglasses
Like Chavez, other pitchers may choose to wear sunglasses for a variety of reasons. They may find that sunglasses provide better protection from the sun or stadium lights than other forms of eyewear, or they may prefer the comfort and convenience of sunglasses to other options.
Additionally, some pitchers may feel that wearing sunglasses enhances their focus and concentration, allowing them to perform at their best on the mound.
The Potential Impact of Sunglasses on a Pitcher’s Performance
While the impact of wearing sunglasses on a pitcher’s performance may vary from player to player, there are several potential benefits to consider.
As previously mentioned, wearing sunglasses can reduce eye strain and fatigue, protect against glare and UV rays, improve focus and concentration, and enhance depth perception.
All of these factors can contribute to a pitcher’s overall performance and help them to achieve greater accuracy and control on the mound.
However, it’s worth noting that there may be some potential drawbacks to consider as well, such as the risk of the sunglasses slipping or interfering with a pitcher’s peripheral vision.
Ultimately, the decision to wear sunglasses on the mound will depend on the individual player’s preferences and needs.
Potential Drawbacks of Wearing Sunglasses While Pitching
Limited Visibility in Low-light Conditions
While sunglasses can provide valuable protection against bright sunlight and glare, they may also limit a pitcher’s visibility in low-light conditions.
In particular, wearing sunglasses at night or in a dimly lit stadium may make it harder for a pitcher to track the ball or see other important visual cues. This could potentially impact their performance and accuracy on the mound.
Potential Distractions or Discomfort Caused by Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses can also pose potential distractions or discomfort for some pitchers. For example, if the sunglasses slip or shift during a pitch, this could cause a momentary distraction that could impact the pitcher’s focus or accuracy.
Additionally, some pitchers may find that sunglasses cause discomfort or pressure on their nose or ears, which could impact their comfort level and performance on the mound.
Possible Impact on Non-verbal Communication With Catchers and Teammates
Finally, wearing sunglasses could potentially impact a pitcher’s non-verbal communication with their catcher and teammates.
If the sunglasses are particularly dark or opaque, this could make it harder for the catcher to read the pitcher’s facial expressions or see their eyes, which can be important for signaling pitch calls and other important information.
Additionally, if a pitcher is wearing sunglasses with particularly reflective lenses, this could potentially cause distracting glares or reflections that could impact the visibility of other players on the field.
It’s worth noting that these potential drawbacks are not universal and may not impact all pitchers who wear sunglasses.
Ultimately, the decision to wear sunglasses on the mound will depend on the individual player’s preferences and needs, and may involve some trial and error to find the right pair that works best for them.
MLB Pitchers Who Wear Sunglasses While Pitching
| Pitcher | Team | Reasons for Wearing Sunglasses |
|---|---|---|
| Jesse Chavez | Los Angeles Angels | Reduced eye strain and fatigue, protection from the sun and stadium lights, improved focus and concentration, convenience |
| Clayton Kershaw | Los Angeles Dodgers | Reduced eye strain, improved depth perception, protection from the sun |
| Jon Lester | Washington Nationals | Reduced eye strain, improved depth perception, protection from the sun |
| Chris Sale | Boston Red Sox | Reduced eye strain, improved depth perception, protection from the sun |
| Max Scherzer | New York Mets | Reduced eye strain, improved depth perception, protection from the sun |
| Madison Bumgarner | Arizona Diamondbacks | Reduced eye strain, improved depth perception, protection from the sun |
| Kyle Hendricks | Chicago Cubs | Reduced eye strain, improved depth perception, protection from the sun |
The reasons for wearing sunglasses can vary from player to player, but common themes include reducing eye strain and fatigue, improving focus and concentration, enhancing depth perception, and protecting the eyes from the sun and stadium lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prescription sunglasses legal in MLB games?
Yes, prescription sunglasses are allowed in MLB games as long as they meet certain criteria set forth by the league. According to the MLB rulebook, sunglasses worn by players must not be distracting to other players and must be approved by the umpire crew chief prior to the game.
Do sunglasses affect a pitcher’s peripheral vision?
Wearing sunglasses can potentially impact a pitcher’s peripheral vision if the frames or lenses obstruct their field of view. However, many sunglasses designed for sports are designed to be lightweight and have a minimal frame design to minimize interference with a player’s vision.
Are there any particular brands of sunglasses that are popular among MLB pitchers?
There is no one specific brand of sunglasses that is preferred by all MLB pitchers who wear them. Some popular brands among athletes in general include Oakley, Nike, and Under Armour, but individual players may have their own preferences based on fit, style, and performance features.
Can wearing sunglasses improve a pitcher’s accuracy?
Wearing sunglasses may potentially improve a pitcher’s accuracy by reducing eye strain and fatigue, which can impact a player’s ability to track the ball and maintain focus. Additionally, some players may find that wearing sunglasses enhances their depth perception, allowing them to better judge distances and hit their target on the mound. However, the impact of sunglasses on a player’s accuracy may vary depending on the individual player and other factors.
Are there any potential risks associated with wearing sunglasses while pitching?
While the potential risks of wearing sunglasses while pitching are relatively minimal, they may include limited visibility in low-light conditions, possible distractions or discomfort caused by the sunglasses, and potential impact on non-verbal communication with catchers and teammates. However, many players find that the benefits of wearing sunglasses outweigh any potential drawbacks.
To Recap
Jesse Chavez’s decision to wear sunglasses while pitching is a personal preference that offers him several potential benefits, including reduced eye strain and fatigue, protection from the sun and stadium lights, improved focus and concentration, and enhanced depth perception.
While there may be some potential drawbacks to consider, such as limited visibility in low-light conditions or possible distractions caused by the sunglasses, many other MLB pitchers have also opted to wear sunglasses on the mound for similar reasons.
Ultimately, the decision to wear sunglasses while pitching is a personal one that will depend on the individual player’s needs and preferences.
