You can’t hit what you can’t see. In baseball, having sharp visual skills is crucial, and that means being able to see things clearly. A lot of folks rely on glasses or contact lenses for this. The main reason people under 40 need them is myopia, or nearsightedness, which impacts about 20 to 30 percent of young adults in the U.S. Interestingly, the number of major-league players who have worn glasses is much lower.
If you have weak eyesight, the thought of wearing glasses on the field might feel a bit daunting. But here’s the thing: some of the most famous baseball players have rocked their spectacles since the very beginning of the game. Check out this list of the top 10 professional baseball players who wore glasses. So, the next time you find yourself needing to wear glasses while playing, embrace it and make it a part of your unique style!
1. Greg Maddux
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Greg Maddux, a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest pitchers ever, was famous not only for his incredible control and strategic pitching but also for his signature glasses, which earned him the nickname “The Professor.” While he wasn’t the type to blow batters away with sheer speed, Maddux relied on his smarts, pitch sequencing, and pinpoint accuracy to outsmart hitters.
His glasses became a subtle trademark, showcasing his thoughtful approach to the game. Despite his unassuming look, Maddux racked up 355 wins and four straight Cy Young Awards. He showed that you don’t need a blazing fastball to be at the top of your game—just a sharp mind and a great pair of glasses.
2. Corbin Burnes
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Corbin Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young winner, has been seen wearing glasses on the mound from time to time. As a key player for the Milwaukee Brewers, Burnes is known for his impressive cutter and outstanding strikeout stats.
Although he doesn’t always pitch with glasses, he’s part of a new wave of players who are comfortable wearing them during games when necessary. Burnes symbolizes a change in the sport—where players are less concerned about appearances (pun intended) and more focused on maximizing their performance.
3. Jesse Chavez
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Journeyman pitcher Jesse Chavez has played for more than a dozen MLB teams, and one thing that has remained constant throughout his lengthy career is his glasses. Known for his gritty and adaptable pitching style, Chavez had a memorable moment in 2019 when he humorously offered his glasses to an umpire after a missed strike call.
That lighthearted gesture went viral, making his glasses a quirky part of his veteran persona. Beyond the laughs, his eyewear has been crucial in helping him maintain sharp command, especially as he reinvented himself later in his career.
4. Freddie Freeman
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Freddie Freeman has been one of baseball’s most reliable hitters for the past decade, and since 2012, he’s been sporting glasses to tackle vision issues that once made it tricky for him to judge depth at the plate. After some trial and error, he finally found the perfect pair, and he hasn’t looked back since.
These glasses have not only boosted his performance but have also become a signature part of his polished image. Now playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Freeman has snagged an MVP award, a World Series title, and continues to be a staple in All-Star games. His choice to wear glasses highlights just how crucial clear vision is for top-notch hitting.
5. Reggie Jackson
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Reggie Jackson was more than just a baseball great—he was a trendsetter. Known as “Mr. October” for his clutch postseason performances, Jackson wore prescription glasses throughout his career, making him one of the first superstar athletes to embrace eyewear publicly.
Back in the day, glasses were often seen as a sign of weakness in sports, but Jackson changed that perception. With his charismatic personality and knack for delivering in high-pressure situations, he helped normalize glasses in the athletic world. With 563 home runs under his belt, Jackson built a legacy of rising to the occasion—glasses included.
6. Zac Gallen
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Zac Gallen, the right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is just as recognized for his stylish glasses as he is for his pitching skills. He opts for sleek, athletic frames that have become a key part of his signature look. Gallen’s calm demeanor and sharp breaking pitches match his serious, composed vibe.
His choice to wear glasses reflects his meticulous attention to detail and methodical approach, earning him a spot among the top pitchers in the National League. In a time when image and branding are everything, Gallen shows that practicality and style can go hand in hand.
7. Julio Rodríguez
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Julio Rodríguez, the electrifying outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, is already shining as one of baseball’s most exciting young talents. While he usually opts for stylish sunglasses over prescription glasses, his eyewear choice is both functional and trendy. You’ll often catch him rocking high-performance Oakley shades during games, which help him tackle sun glare and keep an eye on those fly balls.
With his on-field charisma and lively personality, those glasses have become a part of his signature style. Whether he’s smashing home runs or making incredible catches in center field, J-Rod does it all with flair—and a clear view of the action.
8. Chris Sabo
Credit: MLB
No discussion about baseball players in glasses would be complete without mentioning Chris Sabo. A standout player for the Cincinnati Reds in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Sabo was easily recognizable thanks to his iconic Rec Specs. His goggles weren’t just for show—they symbolized his gritty, hustle-first approach to the game.
Sabo snagged the 1988 NL Rookie of the Year award and played a crucial role in the Reds’ 1990 World Series victory. His dedication to the sport and his disregard for fashion trends made his eyewear legendary. Even now, fans remember him more for those goggles than for his batting stats.
9. Jesús Luzardo
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Jesús Luzardo, a left-handed pitcher with the Miami Marlins, has been wearing glasses for most of his life. In 2021, he experimented with playing without them but quickly went back to his reliable frames after noticing a drop in his performance. Since then, he’s fully embraced the look—and it’s been a game-changer.
Luzardo has developed into one of the most promising young pitchers in the league, boasting a mid-90s fastball and a wicked breaking ball. His journey underscores how even minor visual tweaks can significantly impact a player’s success. Plus, he brings a sleek, modern vibe to the glasses-wearing crew.
10. Chick Hafey
Credit: BaseballHall.org
Long before glasses became a common sight in sports, Chick Hafey was already rocking them on the field back in the 1920s and ’30s. As a Hall of Famer and one of baseball’s early power hitters, Hafey faced vision challenges that had him switching between different pairs of glasses during games.
Yet, he still managed to achieve an impressive .317 career batting average and played a vital role for the St. Louis Cardinals. His determination opened the door for future players to embrace corrective eyewear. He’s often hailed as one of the first major leaguers to make wearing glasses on the field a norm.
Glasses and Greatness Can Coexist
These ten players demonstrate that wearing glasses in baseball isn’t just okay—it can actually be iconic. Whether it’s about enhancing performance, ensuring comfort, or making a style statement, eyewear has firmly established its place in the modern game. From legends like Reggie Jackson and Greg Maddux to up-and-coming stars like Julio Rodríguez and Zac Gallen, these athletes show that having clear vision and delivering top-notch performance go hand in hand.
So, the next time you spot a player with glasses on the diamond, remember: they’re not just seeing better—they’re seeing the game through their own unique lens.
Disclaimer: All images used in this guide are sourced from different sites and are included solely for informational purposes. Full credit and rights belong to their respective owners.
