MLB

How many baseballs are used in a game?

We've seen ball boys give them away,superstars send them over the fence, and pitchers stack 4 of them on their pockets. But, how many baseballs are used in an MLB game?

MLB official baseballs. (Getty)
MLB official baseballs. (Getty)

Almost every single baseball fanowns a signed official MLB baseball as its most valuable possession, in fact, some of them were even lucky enough to catch them themselves. So, have you ever wondered how many baseballs are used in an MLB game?

Advertisement

There are countless reasons why players or umpires can change a baseball. Luck, scratches, discomfort, home runs, foul balls, or just because they want to. They have an almost unlimited supply of MLB official baseballs, and once a ball is thrown away, it’s never used again.

In case you were wondering how much an MLB baseball cost, the answer is$6 plus shipping, meaning they spend a lot of money every game just in those. Then again, they also make a bunch of cash on every home game.

Advertisement

How Many Baseballs Are Used In An MLB game?

According to studies, the current life expectancy of an official baseball is just two pitches. Between home runs, players giving them away, foul balls, or whatever reason, teams use from 8 to 10 dozens of baseballs every game.

That means a Major League Baseball team often spends around $720 plus shipping just in baseballs. Which, let’s be honest, it’s pretty much spare change from the wealthiest people on earth.

Advertisement

What Are The Measures Of An MLB Baseball?

Baseballs have evolved a lot throughout the course of history. They currently have 108 double stitches (or 216 stitches) and, contrary to the past, both the American and National League use the same game ball.

An official Major League Baseball weights between5 and51⁄4ounces (142 and 149g) and is around9to91⁄4inches (229–235mm) in circumference (27⁄8–3in or 73–76mm in diameter), according to official brand Rawlings.

Advertisement
Every ball has 108 double stitches. (Getty)

Every ball has 108 double stitches. (Getty)

Are MLB Baseballs ‘Juiced’?

There has been a growing belief that MLB has recently ‘juiced’ the official baseballs to make it easier for hitters to get a home run. Several pitchers, including Justin Verlander and David Price, have called the league out, although there hasn’t been an official report.

Advertisement

Plenty of studies claim that there’s something different with the ball nowadays. It’s more aerodynamic and home run totals have gone up over the past couple of years. Even so, the league and Rawlings have categorically denied such accusations.

ALSO READ
Willie Mays dies at 93: Remarkable stats of great MLB career
MLB

Willie Mays dies at 93: Remarkable stats of great MLB career

Patrick Mahomes openly asks the Chiefs to let him try baseball
NFL

Patrick Mahomes openly asks the Chiefs to let him try baseball

Oakland A’s set to play in a minor league stadium near Sacramento before move to Las Vegas
MLB

Oakland A’s set to play in a minor league stadium near Sacramento before move to Las Vegas

MLB: Dodgers have major plans for Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Mlb

MLB: Dodgers have major plans for Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Better Collective Logo