Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes and is played all over the world. It has a rich history and is considered a classic sport. Every year, Major League Baseball (MLB) hosts thousands of games, each with its own unique set of rules and regulations. One of the most important rules is the number of baseballs that are used in a game. Understanding how many baseballs are used in a game can help fans gain a better understanding of the sport and the rules that govern it.
Rules for Baseballs in MLB Games
The MLB has very specific rules for the number of baseballs that can be used in a game. According to the MLB Rule Book, each game must have at least six new balls available for play. This number can increase depending on the game’s length and the number of innings. The MLB also requires that each team have its own set of baseballs available for play.
MLB Baseballs
The MLB uses only official Rawlings baseballs for every game. Each baseball is hand-stitched and made with the highest quality materials. The baseballs are tested for quality and consistency before they are used in games. The MLB also requires that each team have its own set of baseballs available for play.
Number of Baseballs Used in a Game
The number of baseballs used in a game will vary depending on the length of the game and the number of innings. Generally, the MLB will use around nine to twelve baseballs in a nine-inning game. This number can increase depending on the amount of foul balls that are hit during the game. It is also possible for more than twelve baseballs to be used in a game if extra innings are required.
Reasons for Changing Baseballs During a Game
There are several reasons why the MLB might need to change out baseballs during a game. The most common reason is that a ball has become scuffed or worn out. This can happen if a pitcher throws a lot of pitches or if the ball is hit too many times. The MLB also requires that teams change out baseballs if they become wet or dirty.
What Happens to Used Baseballs?
The used baseballs from MLB games are not simply thrown away. Instead, they are sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The baseballs are used to create a collection that chronicles the history of the game. The collection is open to the public and is a great way for fans to get a glimpse of the past.
Cost of Baseballs for an MLB Game
The cost of baseballs for an MLB game can vary depending on the number of baseballs used. Generally, the MLB will spend around $400 – $500 for each game. This cost includes the cost of the baseballs and the labor required to stitch them together.
Other Uses for Baseballs in MLB Games
The MLB also uses baseballs for other purposes during a game. For example, baseballs are used as props for giveaways, promotions, and ceremonial first pitches. Baseballs can also be used to test the accuracy of umpires and the speed of pitchers.
Conclusion
Knowing how many baseballs the MLB uses in a game is important for understanding the rules that govern the sport. The MLB requires that each game have at least six new baseballs available for play. Depending on the length of the game and the number of innings, the MLB can use up to twelve baseballs in a game. Used baseballs are sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York and the cost for baseballs for each game is around $400 – $500. Understanding how many baseballs are used in a game can help fans gain a better understanding of the sport and the rules that govern it.