Why do baseball players put a black mark under their eyes?

As one piece of more than a century of baseball traditions, eye black is part science experiment, part routine and part uniform.

By: Adam Annaccone, University of Texas at Arlington, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 22, 2026

Words: 1,002

Last Updated: 1 month ago

By Adam Annaccone, University of Texas at Arlington

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Why do baseball players put a black mark under their eyes? – Althea, age 9, Edmonton, Alberta

Bottom of the ninth. Two outs. Bases loaded. The winning run is standing on third base. The pitcher winds up and …

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