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First Baseball
In the 1830's, baseballs were made by cobblers, shoe fixers. They took rubber from old shoes, wrapped it in yarn, and sewed leather around it. -
First Professional Baseball
The first official baseball game was played in June 1846 in Hoboken, New Jersey. The way the stitches were put gave the ball it's nickname, the lemon peel. -
New Additions
The baseball was newly made to have a rubber core a tighter winding. This helped the baseball be more "lively" so the ball could travel more. -
The New Design
As the rules changed, so did the baseball. The baseball became more heavier and larger. Also, the baseball changed to the present day figure-8 stitching design. -
A New Name
The Boston Red Sox pitcher A.G. Spalding retired in 1876, winning 241 games in 301 total career games he played. The MLB retired his name for the new up and coming baseball. -
The Next New Ball
The new Spalding baseball was now made and had a new design. There was new writing added to the baseball and the stitches became larger. Also, the stitches went from black to blue and red. -
The Cork Core
The cork core was added in baseballs because it helped prevent the baseball from becoming softer. During games, the rubber center wouldn't last long and the ball would become squishy. Adding the cork center became so great it is still used today. -
"Cork Cushion"
The baseball stayed the same as it was last changed, but had another rubber ball surrounding it. This helped the American and National Leagues agree on a slightly more lively ball. -
The Final Product
In present day, the baseball has had the same design since 1934. -
Past vs. Present
In the past, the baseballs were more squishy and bouncy. In present day, the baseball is heavier and more lively. Since the 1830's, the professional baseball has changed to help make one of the most popular sports in the whole world even better.
