Baseball games in Major League Baseball (MLB) are usually around nine innings and involve hundreds of pitches. With all these pitches come hundreds of baseballs. So, what happens to all the baseballs used in an MLB game? This article will explore what happens to these balls, where they come from, and the procedures that MLB teams follow when it comes to managing them.
Where Do MLB Baseballs Come From?
MLB baseballs come from three different sources. The first is Rawlings, the official supplier of MLB baseballs. Rawlings is responsible for providing all the official baseballs used during games. The second source is a company called K3B Sports, which supplies the minor league and independent league teams with baseballs. The third source is the individual MLB teams themselves. Each team has its own collection of baseballs that it uses for batting practice, warm-ups, and other non-game activities.
How Many Baseballs Are Used in an MLB Game?
It depends on the game, but generally speaking, each game involves around 100-150 baseballs. This number can vary depending on the number of pitches thrown, the length of the game, and the type of pitches thrown.
How Are the Baseballs Stored and Managed?
MLB teams have a number of procedures in place to store and manage their baseballs. The first is that they are stored in a temperature-controlled environment in order to ensure that they are in optimal condition for game use. Additionally, teams also have specific protocols for cleaning and sanitizing the baseballs prior to game use.
What Is the Process for Replacing Baseballs During a Game?
During a game, a team’s official scorer is responsible for keeping track of the number of balls used. Once the number of balls used reaches a certain threshold (usually around 75-80 balls), the official scorer will call for a new set of baseballs. This process is done in order to ensure that the quality of the baseballs used is as high as possible.
What Happens to Baseballs That Are Too Damaged to Use?
MLB teams have a specific protocol for dealing with baseballs that are too damaged to use. These balls are usually collected by the team’s official scorer and sent to a separate storage area. From there, the balls are inspected, cleaned, and stored for future use. In some cases, the balls may be sent to Rawlings for further inspection and repair.
Do Teams Reuse Baseballs?
Yes, teams do reuse baseballs. Teams typically store their baseballs in a temperature-controlled location and inspect them regularly. If a ball is found to be in good condition, it will be reused. This helps teams save money and ensure that their baseballs are in optimal condition for game use.
What Is the Importance of Having Quality Baseballs?
Having quality baseballs is essential for the integrity of the game. MLB teams are responsible for supplying baseballs that are in optimal condition for game use. Poorly maintained baseballs can lead to lower quality play, as well as increased risk of injury for players.
What Is the Life Span of an MLB Baseball?
The life span of an MLB baseball varies depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. On average, an MLB baseball can last anywhere from one to two years.
What Is the Cost of an MLB Baseball?
The cost of an MLB baseball is around $6 per ball. This cost may vary depending on the supplier and the quality of the baseball.
Conclusion
MLB teams take great care to ensure that the baseballs used in their games are of the highest quality. From the source of the baseballs to the storage and management process, teams have a number of procedures in place to ensure that their baseballs are in optimal condition for game use. Additionally, teams are also responsible for replacing baseballs that are too damaged to use and reusing baseballs that are in good condition.
In conclusion, MLB teams take great care to ensure that the baseballs used in their games are of the highest quality. From the source of the baseballs to the storage and management process, teams have a number of procedures in place to ensure that their baseballs are in optimal condition for game use. Additionally, teams are also responsible for replacing baseballs that are too damaged to use and reusing baseballs that are in good condition.