Question About Baseballs Used During MLB Games

[Mr KLC]

Why do they ask for a new ball after every pitch in the dirt, but keep using a ball that was hit for an out? What exactly happens to a ball that is pitched in the dirt that warrants throwing it out for a new one?

[pavyracer]

Scratch marks. Alters ball movement on next pitch.

[Smoke]

Barry bonds

[Smoke]

Sorry wrong thread

[stealthyburrito]

I swear I've heard a pitcher say once he would reuse a ball after getting an out cuz it was good luck. Any wild pitch or hit he'd ask for a new one.

superstition.

[jtoler]

Sorry wrong thread

[jtoler]

Scratch marks. Alters ball movement on next pitch.

Seems a pitcher would want that ball.

[pavyracer]

Seems a pitcher would want that ball.

Not if he is trying to paint the corners and the ball keeps going out of the strike zone.