baseballs

     

A baseball is a ball use primarily in the sport of the same name, baseball. It is generally between 9 inches (22.9 cm) and 9¼ inches (23.5 cm) in circumference, and 5 ounces avoirdupois (142 g) in weight, though sometimes different-size balls may be used in children's leagues. Construction varies. Generally the core of the ball is cork, rubber, or a mixture of the two, and is sometimes layered. Around that are various linear materials including yarn and twine, sometimes wool is used. A leather cover is put on, in two pieces, and stitched together using 216 stitches of waxed cotton thread which is typically red in color. Rolled stitching is flatter and creates less air-resistance. This is the type of stitching used for major league balls and is ideal for the game and everyday play. Official Major League balls sold by Rawlings are made to the exact MLB specifications (5 ounces, 216 stitches) and are stamped with the signature of Commissioner Allan "Bud" Selig on each ball.

Trivia about baseballs

  • When he moved into the White House, George W. Bush brought some of his over 150 autographed ones of these