How long did baseballs stay in play?

[Shoeless Moe]

......back then was another time. For one, foul balls were not allowed to be kept by fans. They were to be thrown back into play. Some fans who tried to keep were arrested. This occurred up until about 1920-21. The ball was the property of the home team. The same balls would be used inning after inning, spit balls were legal, the ball would be tobacco stained, beaten up and darkened, the pitchers using every advantage.

This changed in 1920 with the beaning and death of Ray Chapman. After that new balls would be put into play when the ones became too dirty. And also shortly thereafter fans were allowed to keep foul and home run balls.

[thecatspajamas]

Check out Zack Hample's book "The Baseball" which contains a nice timeline of the evolution of the production methods used for the balls, how they were used in game play, how many teams ordered, etc. LOTS of good info about the balls themselves, and a very interesting read (not to mention relatively inexpensive, especially if you pick up a used copy). Mine is currently housed in the bathroom, I mean, my other office, but there are plenty to be had on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baseball-S...3844207&sr=1-2

[ruth-gehrig]

I always love a new baseball book to read. Thanks

[byrone]

Originally Posted by thecatspajamas

Check out Zack Hample's book "The Baseball" which contains a nice timeline of the evolution of the production methods used for the balls, how they were used in game play, how many teams ordered, etc. LOTS of good info about the balls themselves, and a very interesting read (not to mention relatively inexpensive, especially if you pick up a used copy). Mine is currently housed in the bathroom, I mean, my other office, but there are plenty to be had on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Baseball-S...3844207&sr=1-2

Seems like something Cliff Clavin would enjoy.

Think I'll pick up a copy.