The term “eyewash” has gained a bad rap in sports. Many fans, athletes, and coaches use the term in a negative connotation, as if eyewash is a cheap way of looking good. Obviously, we at Got Eyewash disagree. While there are many eyewash actions and accessories that can be worthless and contravening, there are also a high number that can be practical and constructive. So, let’s clear up this misconception.

5 Eyewash Things You Shouldn’t Do This Season
1. Dive after a ball that you know has no chance of ending up in your glove*
2. Throw a fist pump in a non-crucial point in the game (i.e. strike one)
3. Practice dry bunting in the on deck circle
4. Wear earrings during practice or the game
5. Excessively curve the bill of your cap

5 Eyewash Things You Should Do This Season
1. Ab exercises before or after the game
2. Towel drill work during practice or before the game
3. Run on and off the field
4. Wear 3/4 sleeves under your uni
5. Wear at least one piece of flair during the game and practice

I decided to only include five eyewash positives and negatives to prevent exhausting you. Feel free to add a comment with your list of positive eyewash and/or negative eyewash. Now, let’s explore these lists a little deeper.

Bad stuff first:

Dive after a ball that you know has no chance of ending up in your glove*
The reason an asterisk (*) is after this is due to the fact that I am referring to specifically outfielders in certain situations. Granted, if the game is on the line and the ball dropping in the outfield would cost your team the game, then diving is necessary. In addition, infielders should always dive for balls near their range. This lets your pitcher know you are working hard for him. You should NOT dive for a ball if you are in the outfield and you have no shot at catching the ball. This could turn a would-be single into a possible triple because of your bad eyewash.

Throw a fist pump in a non-crucial point in the game (i.e. strike one)
It’s important act as if success is a norm. Don’t throw up a Tiger Woods fist pump after throwing a good pitch, getting on base in the first inning, or catching a meaningless fly ball. This should only be done when the momentum of the game has significantly shifted in your direction.

Practice dry bunting in the on deck circle
C’mon people—this just looks ridiculous. Whether or not you’re bunting, take hacks in the on deck circle.

Wear earrings during practice or the game
Unless you’re in the big leagues, don’t wear earrings during practice or the game. If you don’t hit .500 with 20 bombs, people are going to wonder if you are wearing lingerie under your uni.

Excessively curve the bill of your cap
I’m not sure how or when this became popular, but baseball caps are not supposed to be excessively curved. A slight curve is fine. However, if your bill is blocking your peripheral vision, it looks bad and needs to be flattened out.

Let’s finish on a positive note with the good eyewash:

Ab exercises before or after the game
During the season, it may be difficult to maintain the strength you gained in the off-season. Doing abs before or after every game is a great way to keep the strength of your core.

Towel work during practice or before the game
Many people perceive the towel drill as bad eyewash. I disagree—practicing your delivery will help you repeat it in the game. This, as a result, will make you become more consistent. Just try not to do towel drill only when the coach is around.

Run on and off the field
This is self explanatory. Two exceptions: First, pitchers can walk or jog. Second, if you are the last out of the inning and someone is bringing your hat and glove out to you on defense, it is acceptable to take your time to get to your position. Otherwise, act like you want to be on the field and run to your position!

Wear 3/4 sleeves under your uni
These just look good and make you look like a baseball player. It isn’t an essential, but wearing cut 3/4 sleeves is highly recommended.

Wear at least one piece of flair during the game and practice
If you play baseball, you have to have something on your body that is not necessary and only serves the purpose of making you look good. It’s just part of the game.