Baseball · Interesting Facts
Chapter 5: Equipment & Technology
10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 28 October 2026 · markdown
The objects of baseball each have a history. An official ball has yarn wound tightly around its centre, which gives it its bounce, and a cover sewn over the wound yarn by a skilled worker; Rawlings's factory is in the town of Turrialba, and horsehide had been used for covers for a century before the change. Bats tell a similar story. The Louisville Slugger began in a woodworking shop in Louisville, with players' signatures burned into the bats. Most players once used ash before maple came in; badly grained maple bats broke into dangerous shards, and straight grain means a safer bat. The torpedo shape of 2025 moves wood to where each hitter usually makes contact.
Protection came step by step. A slugger used a batting glove after playing golf in 1964, and helmets grew flaps, though veterans could keep flap-less ones. The Gold Glove award is a gold-coloured glove, voted on by managers and coaches with a data element added since 2013. A police gun gave a Michigan State coach the idea of measuring pitch speed, and a ball loses several mph on its way to the plate.
The facts below cover the ball, Louisville Slugger, bats today, gloves, batting gloves and helmets, radar guns, scoreboards, caps and uniforms, sticky stuff and umpires' gear.
5.51The Ball
What is inside an official baseball, and where it comes from.
Test 1The ballTake a test
It had replaced the long-time supplier that year.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
The firm was founded by a famous 19th-century pitcher.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
Horsehide had been used for a century before.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
Yarn is wound tightly around it.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
The winding gives the ball its bounce.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
It has been collected there since the 1930s.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
Each ball is stitched by a skilled worker.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
The cover is sewn over the wound yarn.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
1878, 1938, 1974, then 1977.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · recall
Rawlings's factory is in the town of Turrialba.
Source: Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame · applied
5.52Louisville Slugger
The bat maker from Kentucky.
Test 1Louisville SluggerTake a test
It was made in a woodworking shop in Louisville.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
He got three hits with it the next day.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
His father ran a woodworking business.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
His signature was burned into the bats.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
Louisville grew up beside the Falls of the Ohio.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
It made bats in Jeffersonville for over twenty years.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
The old family firm kept making the wooden bats.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
1884, 1905, the 1970s, then 1996.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
Every pro bat is made to the player's own model.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · recall
It is a copy of Babe Ruth's bat.
Source: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905) · applied
5.53Bats Today
Maple, cork and a new shape in 2025.
Test 1Bats todayTake a test
Before him most players used ash.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
His company was called the Original Maple Bat Corporation.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
Badly grained maple bats broke into dangerous shards.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
The game was against Milwaukee.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
He said it was a practice bat used by mistake.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
It flexes like ash but hardens like maple.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
The hollow cuts weight at the tip.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
The late 1990s, 2001, 2009, then 2025.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
Straight grain means a safer bat.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · recall
The wood is moved to where each hitter usually makes contact.
Source: MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003) · applied
5.54Gloves
From webs to Gold Gloves.
Test 1GlovesTake a test
His model sold for decades.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
The award is a gold-coloured glove.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
It is still made today.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
Many big-leaguers have used it.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
It is based in the town of Nocona.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
Shaping the pocket takes days or weeks.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
It has no separate fingers like a fielder's glove.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
The 1860s, the 1870s, 1920, then 1957.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
The pocket slowly takes its shape.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · recall
Managers and coaches vote, with a data element added since 2013.
Source: Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection · applied
5.55Batting Gloves and Helmets
How hitters' hands and heads got their protection.
Test 1Batting gloves and helmetsTake a test
A slugger used one after playing golf in 1964.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
It was the first step towards the batting helmet.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
Their general manager owned the helmet company.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
He had also run the Dodgers.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
Players already in the league had to wear one too.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
Veterans could keep flap-less helmets.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
He was only 22 at the time.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
1941, 1953, then 1983.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
1964, 1967, then 1971.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · recall
He later became a long-time broadcaster.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983) · applied
5.56Radar Guns
How pitch speed came to be measured.
Test 1Radar gunsTake a test
He coached at Michigan State.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
A police gun gave the coach the idea.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
The ball beat the motorcycle to the target.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
Infrared equipment measured it near the plate.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
A ball loses several mph on its way to the plate.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
From there they face the pitcher directly.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
Its machines have thrown to hitters for decades.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
1940, 1974, then 2015.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
The ball slows all the way in.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · recall
Scouts compare their readings after each pitch.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement · applied
5.57Scoreboards
Fireworks, animation and the first giant screen.
Test 1ScoreboardsTake a test
It went off after every White Sox home run.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
It was called Diamond Vision.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
The screen used thousands of small tubes.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
Animated cowboys fired pistols on it.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
Fans follow the pennant race on it.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
It matches the club's name.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
Sound effects and fireworks went off too.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
1960, 1965, then 1980.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
Visiting teams did not get the show.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · recall
It was nicknamed the exploding scoreboard.
Source: Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard · applied
5.58Caps and Uniforms
Cap makers, kit makers and a few bold looks.
Test 1Caps and uniformsTake a test
The firm is based in Buffalo, New York.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
It comes in exact sizes rather than adjustable.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
Majestic had made them before.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
Small lettering also drew criticism.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
Wool flannel soon disappeared from the game.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
They remain famous today.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
They marked the National League's 100th season.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
1970, 1975, 1976, then 2020.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
Each was lighter than the one before.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · recall
Broadcasters and cap fans love the word.
Source: New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories · applied
5.59Sticky Stuff
Grip aids, checks and a pitcher's confession.
Test 1Sticky stuffTake a test
It helped pitchers add spin.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
Checks came as pitchers left the field.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
Several pitchers were suspended in the first season.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
It is made from tree resin.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
Cameras spotted it plainly on TV.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
He was still pitching when it came out.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
Sticky stuff had added spin and movement.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
1974, 2014, then 2021.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
Checks are routine now.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · recall
Pitchers may only use the rosin bag.
Source: MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject · applied
5.60Umpires' Gear
Protectors, brushes and a staff that came together.
Test 1Umpires' gearTake a test
National League umpires wore theirs under the jacket.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
Veterans could keep the balloon.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
He umpired for 37 seasons.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
Umpires click it after every pitch.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
Dusting the plate is a familiar sight.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
Before then each league had its own umpires.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
Historians still argue about how the signals started.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
1905, 1977, then 2000.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
Clean plates help everyone see the zone.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · recall
The last umpire to use one retired in the 1980s.
Source: National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy) · applied
Questions people ask
- What is inside an official baseball?
- Yarn is wound tightly around its centre, and the cover is sewn over the wound yarn by a skilled worker. The winding gives the ball its bounce.
- Where are official baseballs made?
- Rawlings's factory is in the town of Turrialba.
- Why did MLB tighten its rules on maple bats?
- Badly grained maple bats broke into dangerous shards, and straight grain means a safer bat. Before maple caught on, most players used ash.
- What is a torpedo bat?
- A bat shaped so that the wood is moved to where each hitter usually makes contact. The new shape arrived in 2025.
- Who votes for the Gold Glove Award?
- Managers and coaches vote, with a data element added since 2013. The award itself is a gold-coloured glove.
- How did radar guns come to baseball?
- A police gun gave a Michigan State coach the idea. Scouts now compare their readings after each pitch.
- Why do umpires brush home plate?
- Clean plates help everyone see the strike zone, and dusting the plate is a familiar sight.
- What can pitchers use to improve their grip?
- Pitchers may only use the rosin bag. Sticky stuff had added spin and movement, and checks for it are routine now.
Sources
Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the National Baseball Hall of Fame, MLB and its clubs, the WBSC, SABR's BioProject, the Library of Congress, Guinness World Records, makers' and leagues' own histories and named reputable media.
- Rawlings, 'The official ball of Major League Baseball' (rawlings.com); Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud (baseballrubbingmud.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame10
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory history (sluggermuseum.com); Hillerich & Bradsby company history; National Baseball Hall of Fame on Honus Wagner's contract (1905)10
- MLB.com on maple bat rules (2009) and torpedo bats (2025); The Original Maple Bat Corporation (Sam Bat) history; MLB.com, Sammy Sosa's corked bat (2003)10
- Rawlings Gold Glove Award history (rawlings.com); Wilson A2000 history (wilson.com); National Baseball Hall of Fame glove collection10
- National Baseball Hall of Fame on batting helmets and Branch Rickey's helmets (1953); SABR BioProject (Ken Harrelson, Tony Conigliaro); MLB rule history (1971, 1983)10
- National Baseball Hall of Fame on Danny Litwhiler's radar gun (1974); SABR BioProject (Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan); MLB.com on pitch speed measurement10
- Chicago White Sox on Comiskey Park's exploding scoreboard (1960); Los Angeles Dodgers on Diamond Vision (1980); Houston Astros on the Astrodome scoreboard10
- New Era Cap company history (neweracap.com); MLB.com on Nike uniforms (2020) and the 2024 uniform complaints; Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros uniform histories10
- MLB.com, foreign substance enforcement (June 2021); MLB.com on Michael Pineda (2014); Gaylord Perry, Me and the Spitter (1974); SABR BioProject10
- National Baseball Hall of Fame on umpires' equipment and Bill Klem; MLB.com on the merger of the umpire staffs (2000); SABR BioProject (Dummy Hoy)10