In 1943, just one season after collecting his 3,000th hit, Paul Waner accidentally gashed his foot while shagging a fly ball in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, his former team. This was probably due to Waner being nearsighted and his refusal to wear glasses; thus, he "played the outfield by ear."
Paul Waner suffered an injury in 1943, only one season after reaching 3,000 hits, while attempting to catch a fly ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His poor eyesight, coupled with his reluctance to wear glasses, led him to rely on instinct when playing the outfield.