The number of baseballs used during a single Major League Baseball game highlights the sport’s commitment to equipment integrity. On average, a nine-inning MLB contest requires between 96 and 120 different baseballs to complete, a volume that far exceeds most other professional sports. This high turnover rate is a direct result of strict regulations governing the condition of the ball, ensuring a consistent and fair playing environment. The constant replacement of the ball is driven by two primary factors: balls that are permanently removed from the field of play and those that are taken out due to damage or discoloration.
The Average Number and Balls That Leave the Field
Every foul ball that lands in the stands, or a home run that clears the outfield wall, results in a ball that is permanently removed. These instances account for a significant portion of the 96 to 120 baseballs used per contest.
The balls that leave the field are often kept by fans as souvenirs. Additionally, balls involved in specific milestone moments, such as a player’s first career hit or a record-breaking home run, are immediately taken out of play. These balls are authenticated and preserved for the player or sold as official game-used memorabilia, ensuring they are never returned to the umpire’s pouch.
Safety and Fairness: Why Balls Are Replaced Mid-Play
A more frequent cause for replacement involves balls that remain on the field but are deemed unfit for continued use. Any ball that acquires a visible scuff, a tear in the leather, or a noticeable dirt or grass stain is immediately removed by the umpire. This strict adherence to a clean, white ball is primarily a safety measure for the batter.
A discolored or scuffed ball is significantly harder for a batter to see, especially when traveling at high speeds. Furthermore, any damage to the ball’s surface can alter its aerodynamic properties, giving the pitcher an unfair advantage by causing unpredictable movement. Pitchers themselves can also request a new ball if they feel the current one is too slick or has a slight imperfection that compromises their grip and control.
This practice of frequent replacement was cemented following the tragic death of Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman in 1920. Chapman was fatally struck by a pitch that was likely discolored and difficult to see in the late afternoon light. His death led to a mandate requiring umpires to replace any ball that became dirty or damaged. The rule ensures that the ball remains highly visible and its flight path is not unduly influenced by surface imperfections.
From Preparation to Retirement: The Ball’s Full Journey
The life of an MLB baseball begins before the first pitch with a unique preparation process. New baseballs come from the factory with a slick, glossy finish that makes them difficult for pitchers to grip. To remedy this, dozens of balls are rubbed with a special conditioning agent called Lena Blackburne Rubbing Mud.
This fine, silt-like mud is applied to the leather to remove the sheen and provide a better tack. This process is required by rule to ensure pitchers can maintain a secure grip and control the ball without resorting to illegal foreign substances.
The vast majority of used baseballs are collected and repurposed for batting and fielding practice. Balls that are still in relatively good condition are used by the teams until they are too worn to be effective. A smaller number of balls, particularly those involved in significant plays, are authenticated by the league and sold to collectors, allowing fans to own a tangible piece of the game’s history.