In recent baseball practices, players have taken to the unique pre-batting routine called 'eye poking', where they quickly bring their fingers to their eyes to stimulate their vision. This trend was initiated by Moon Hyun-bin of the Hanwha Eagles, who participated in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and shared the technique with other players like Kim Do-young from KIA Tigers and Ahn Hyun-min from KT Wiz. While this peculiar warming-up exercise appears somewhat bizarre, it is aimed at enhancing players' dynamic visual acuity and reaction times, critical factors in successfully hitting pitches that come in at immense speeds.

The effectiveness of 'eye poking' has some scientific backing, as studies on visual training in baseball have shown potential improvements in team batting averages. A study cited from a publication in PLOS ONE highlighted that after a six-week visual training program, players' batting average rose from .251 to .285, along with a notable boost in slugging percentage. While the specific study did not isolate 'eye poking' as the sole factor for the increase, it suggested that enhancing visual processing and focus could contribute positively to batting performance, particularly given the pressure of making split-second decisions during play.

Feedback from players indicates a varying level of acceptance and routine adaptation to 'eye poking'. Many players who have experienced its benefits have incorporated it into their pre-batting rituals, highlighting the importance of visual clarity and rapid reactions in a sport where mere milliseconds can define the outcome of an at-bat. As players aim for increased precision against rapidly traveling pitches, such techniques may pave the way for future training methods in baseball to improve performance on the field.