What is a Baseball and How Many Are Used in One Game?
A baseball is a round, hard, leather-covered ball made of cork, rubber and yarn wound tightly together and used in the sport of baseball. It is the official ball of Major League Baseball (MLB) and has been the official ball of the National League (NL) since 1876, when the first regulation game was played.
The number of baseballs used in one game depends on the level of play, the number of innings, and other factors. Generally, MLB teams use between 75 and 100 balls per game, while college and high school teams typically use between 25 and 50.
Types of Baseballs
There are several types of baseballs used in games, including practice, game, and tournament baseballs.
- Practice Baseballs – Practice baseballs are generally made from lower-grade materials and have a softer feel than the more expensive game balls. They are most often used for batting practice, fielding drills, and for general practice.
- Game Baseballs – Game baseballs are made from premium materials and are used during regulation games. They must meet strict specifications and are regulated by the MLB.
- Tournament Baseballs – Tournament baseballs are designed for tournament play and are usually of higher quality than game baseballs. They can also be a bit more expensive.
How Many Baseballs are Used During an MLB Game?
MLB teams use between 75 and 100 baseballs per game. This number includes new balls, balls that have been fouled off, and balls that have been scuffed or misplaced.
A single ball is used for each half-inning, and each team gets a new ball when their half-inning begins. The balls are also changed out during the game if they become scuffed or damaged.
How Many Baseballs are Used During a College or High School Game?
College and high school teams typically use between 25 and 50 baseballs per game. This number is lower than in the MLB due to the shorter game length and fewer innings.
Baseball Care and Maintenance
Baseballs need to be properly cared for in order to maintain their quality and integrity. Proper care includes keeping the balls dry, inflating them to the correct pressure, and storing them in a cool, dry place.
Baseball Retrieval and Replacement
Baseballs that are hit out of play or become scuffed or damaged need to be replaced. During an MLB game, the home plate umpire is responsible for retrieving and replacing baseballs.
In amateur games, such as college or high school, the coaches or umpires are responsible for retrieving and replacing the balls. Some teams may also have a designated ball retriever who is responsible for making sure the game is not delayed by retrieving and replacing balls.
Cost of Baseballs
The cost of baseballs can vary depending on the type of ball and the quantity purchased. A single MLB-regulation game ball can cost anywhere from $8 to $15. The cost of practice and tournament balls can be even higher.
Baseball Reuse and Recycling
Baseballs that are no longer suitable for game play can be reused and recycled. MLB teams often donate used balls to youth leagues and other organizations.
In addition, some organizations have programs to collect and recycle used baseballs. The recycled materials, such as rubber, are used to make new baseballs.
Baseball and the Environment
Baseballs have a significant environmental impact due to the materials and processes used to make them. The production of baseballs requires the use of natural resources, such as rubber and leather, as well as toxic chemicals.
In addition, baseballs can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. To reduce their environmental impact, baseballs should be properly recycled or reused whenever possible.
Conclusion
The number of baseballs used in one game depends on the level of play, the number of innings, and other factors. Generally, MLB teams use between 75 and 100 baseballs per game, while college and high school teams typically use between 25 and 50.
Baseballs need to be properly cared for in order to maintain their quality and integrity. Proper care includes keeping the balls dry, inflating them to the correct pressure, and storing them in a cool, dry place.
Baseballs that are no longer suitable for game play can be reused and recycled. MLB teams often donate used balls to youth leagues and other organizations. In addition, some organizations have programs to collect and recycle used baseballs.
Baseballs have a significant environmental impact due to the materials and processes used to make them. To reduce their environmental impact, baseballs should be properly recycled or reused whenever possible.