Vision problems cause pitcher to miss signal

August 26, 2010

Takashi Saito, relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, admitted that he recently misinterpreted a signal from the catcher due to trouble seeing at night. Because of his eyesight, catcher's had already been giving Saito more exaggerated signals, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"We don't ever really get crossed up," the catcher involved in the situation, Brian McCann, told the news source. "We got crossed up last night in a big situation. But, no, it doesn't' really happen often."

The misinterpretation caused Saito to throw a fastball to the batter, Clint Barmes, when McCann had sent the signal for a breaking pitch. Though the batter missed the pitch, the ball went beyond the catcher, allowing Barmes to steal first base.

Saito underwent eye surgery around 10 years ago, and has recently found that he is once again in need of eyeglasses because his eyesight has declined. When off the field, the player wears glasses to improve his vision.

The American Optometric Association suggests that those who want to improve their night vision refrain from smoking, eat a diet rich in vitamin A, wear sunglasses on sunny days and avoid bright lights.