Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played on a field by two teams of nine players against each other. Needless to say, it is an outdoor sports and it is usually played during the summer.
Baseball can be a very challenging game to play and can be even more difficult when weather plays a factor in the game. Sometimes the sun can be shining so bright that it is difficult for players to fully see the ball. Whether you’re out in the field, up to bat or coaching a team, it’s essential that you can track the movement of the ball and accurately follow the game. If you’re getting blinded by the sun, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to react quickly, make catches and throws accurately, which might heighten the risk of getting hit by a ball and needlessly injuring yourself.
What Are Baseball Sunglasses
There is a plethora of baseball gear or equipments that can be purchased to aid in your training and game. One of them, which is almost always overlooked, are baseball sunglasses. Baseball sunglasses are protective eyewear meant specifically for baseball players. They are designed to stay on and help maintain peak performance and visibility during game play. Baseball sunglasses help to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by the sun during practice or games. That being said, they do more than just prevent sun damage. They also darken vision and emphasize colours on the baseball diamond. This can improve a player’s game by making it easier for them to see their surroundings while causing certain objects, like a baseball, to stand out.
Polarized or UV400?
Polarized lenses are not ideal for baseball because some studies indicate that polarized lenses affect depth perception. Hand-eye coordination is a big part of baseball so anything that will interfere with that is not recommended.
Asides from baseball, it is not recommended for ball sports in general. In these sports, bright and direct sunlight is the major issue. Polarization can also affect your depth perception and make it harder to judge exactly where the ball is.
Although polarized lenses get rid of glare and strengthen contrasts in color, it won’t be as effective against direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is most definitely a bigger problem than glare in a baseball diamond.
UV400 sunglasses are the best lenses for baseball because they provide 99 to 100% of protection from UV rays. UV protection is important in your lenses as it blocks harmful rays such as UVA, UVB and UVC rays from damaging your cornea. UV protection goes hand in hand with sun glare reduction properties. Basically, products with excellent UV protection equally have high sunshine glare reduction.
Best Baseball Sunglasses
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Voltron | UV400 Sunglasses$149.99
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Star Trek | UV400 Sunglasses$109.99
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Griffey | UV400 Baseball Sunglasses$99.99
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Trish | UV400 Sunglasses$129.99
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Rada | UV400 Sunglasses$99.99
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Shanel | UV400 Sunglasses$99.99
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Dark Knight$149.99
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Everyday | UV400 Sunglasses$89.99 – $99.99
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Blockbuster | UV400 Sunglasses$99.99
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sunglass lens is best for baseball?
The best sunglass lenses for baseball are those that enhance visual clarity and contrast, allowing players to see the ball and field details more clearly. Here are some recommended lens colors:
- Amber/Bronze Lenses: These lenses enhance contrast and depth perception, making them ideal for bright and variable light conditions often encountered during day games.
- Gray Lenses: These lenses are excellent for reducing overall brightness while maintaining true color balance. They are suitable for very bright, sunny days.
- Yellow/Gold Lenses: These lenses are effective in low light conditions, such as evening games or overcast days, as they enhance contrast and depth perception.
- Mirrored Lenses: These lenses help reduce glare from reflective surfaces, which can be particularly useful on sunny days or when playing on fields with synthetic turf.
Overall, the choice of lens color should be based on the lighting conditions and personal preferences for visual clarity and comfort on the field.
Are Polarized Sunglasses Good for Baseball?
Pros:
- Glare Reduction: Polarized lenses are excellent at reducing glare from surfaces like water or shiny objects, which can help players see more clearly on sunny days.
- Eye Comfort: By reducing glare, polarized lenses can increase eye comfort and reduce eye strain during long games or practices.
Cons:
- Depth Perception Issues: Some players report that polarized lenses can affect depth perception, which is crucial for hitting and fielding. This effect varies among individuals, and some may find it challenging.
- Visual Distortion: Polarized lenses can sometimes distort the vision of digital screens and cause issues with visibility in certain lighting conditions, which can be problematic for some players.
Ultimately, the choice to use polarized sunglasses in baseball depends on personal preference and individual experience. Players who prioritize glare reduction and eye comfort may find them beneficial, while those who are sensitive to changes in depth perception may prefer non-polarized lenses.
How To Pick Baseball Sunglasses
Choosing the right baseball sunglasses involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal performance and protection on the field. Here are the important aspects to look for:
- Lens Color
- UV Protection: Ensure the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays [6].
- Polarization: While polarized lenses reduce glare, they can sometimes affect depth perception. Some players prefer non-polarized lenses to avoid this issue.
- Fit and Comfort:
- Look for a snug, comfortable fit that stays secure during play.
- Adjustable nose pads and temple arms can help customize the fit.
- Frame Material:
- Lightweight and durable materials like polycarbonate are ideal.
- Frames should be impact-resistant to withstand the rigors of the game.
- Ventilation: Good airflow prevents fogging during intense activities. Ventilated frames help keep lenses clear and reduce sweat buildup.
By considering these factors, you can choose baseball sunglasses that enhance your performance and protect your eyes effectively.