How Are MLB Balls So ‘Perfect’? Baseball’s Century-Old Secret Revealed

The word foreign substances in baseball has been in the headlines this season. However, there is one and only foreign substance that is officially allowed to be used on the ball by the MLB officials.

Notably, this secret trick to enhance the ball’s abilities for pitchers has been around for almost a century now. The South Jersey mystery mud is the only foreign substance that is used to better the grip of the baseball, as well as ensure the safety of the hitters.

The Secret behind Delaware River’s mud

Balls used in MLB matches are never pure white; however, they are shiny and pure white when they reach the teams. But, after reaching the franchise’ clubhouses, there is a game-changing technique used on the ball.

Before every game, the baseballs are rubbed by mud specially brought in from the Delaware River on the Jersey side. The mud is officially called the Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud, which is used in both major and minor leagues. Popularly known as mud man, James Bintliff is the founder of the company.

Nov 2, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning in game six of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Many big companies have tried to copy and replace the Lena Rubbing Mud, but have always failed. The mud has magical properties; it instantly makes it less slippery and strengthens the grip for the pitchers. Notably, the mud application has to be done very carefully, without making it too dark for the hitters, and too light for the pitchers.

Is MLB planning to replace the mud with better technology?

The authorities of the Major League Baseball had asked the baseball goods company, Rawlings, to manufacture a baseball with more tack. An experiment was also conducted with the new Rawlings balls, which were too bright, but provided a better grip.

Oct 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson (36) throws against the Houston Astros during game three of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The drawback faced in these new balls was that the substance sprayed on the leather wore off too quickly. Rawlings had tried out the experiment in 2017; it’s been quite a while since then and the mud is still significant in the game. Do you think the magical mud will continue its supremacy in baseball balls or better technology will replace it?

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