We can combine the regression line from the drag coefficient-versus-seam height plot with the line from the distance-versus-drag coefficient plot to get an equation for the distance versus the seam height. Note, this is a bit sloppy because the drag coefficient-versus-seam height plot was created in a lab, presumably using spinning balls at one speed, while the distance-versus-drag coefficient graph used Statcast data at a variety of speeds and spins, then normalized it.
The result is the following equation:. Our new equation gives us an increase in distance of about 2. This number is a bit scary—a very small change in seam height, one that is barely detectable from year to year, can change the distance of a fly ball by a measurable amount.
The reality of the situation, which you may have noticed when you compared the height of a seam to a dime, is that in addition to the red wax thread, a portion of the seam height is due to how much leather has been pulled into the stitch. Recalling that baseballs are indeed sewn by hand, it is in fact quite unremarkable that seam heights vary from ball to ball. It is actually impressive they are this consistent. Does the fact that there are ball-to-ball variations really matter to the game?
There are arguments both ways, but it is hard to complain about a variation of a couple of feet due to a single missing sub-thread when there are much larger park-to-park variations in the distance to fences. That said, consistent year-to-year variations that appear to continually increase the number of home runs are radically changing the game. From to last season, the seam height has dropped by about 0. These are great questions.
How I wish we knew the answers to even a couple of them. I would like to compare baseballs from previous years going way back.
Pitchers could also fluff them with there fingernails Bob Forsch was the king of this. After the hand-stitching process, the baseball is put into a rolling machine to smoothen the raised stitches on the surface. In fact, since the mids, baseballs were manufactured with a variety of size, weight , and shape by several baseball producers.
However, the early forms of the ball were not high-tech at all. The core of the baseball was made of rubber obtained from old, softened shoes, and it was enveloped by yarn and leather.
Pitchers usually created their own balls during the s and s. Spalding retired from the game and persuaded the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs to adopt the balls he created. The official baseball was then manufactured by the company Spalding for the next century.
Why are baseball stitches red? In fact, there have been a lot of guesses surrounding this question. In the early s, there was a discrepancy in the baseball stitching between the American League and the National League. While the American League used blue and red stitches, the National League opted for the black and red ones.
It was not until that the MLB adopted double-stitches of waxed red thread as a league-wide standard. Due to the shape of the cowhide cuttings, the stitches curve round and follow the number eight structure. The placing of the stitches contributes to more than the appearance of the baseball, as trajectory and drag are also affected by the design. Weights have varied throughout the years, especially between and , with the final ruling by MLB taking place in Updated on By Alexis.
Last Updated on July 21, Table of Contents show. How Is a Baseball Made? Stitching the Baseball Together 1. What Material is The Baseball Made of? What are the Stitches on a Baseball Made Of? Baseball Ball Facts 2. How Many Stitches on a Baseball? Why are Stitches Needed on a Baseball? Why are Baseball Stitches Red? The Mass of a Baseball 2.
The Volume of a Baseball 2. The Velocity of a Baseball 3. History of Baseball Stitching 3. The History of Stitching on a Baseball 3. Why a Baseball Requires Stitching 3. What is Baseball Stitching Called? Baseball Stitching Pattern 4. Manufacturers of Baseballs 4.
Frederic Wiese Jr. But before you step up to the plate, turn your ball cap into a thinking cap with this week's why: Why does a baseball have red stitching? Our teammates at Bleacher Report hit a home run with this explanation In the MLB adopted a league-wide standard which has gone largely unchanged today: double-stitches of waxed red thread.
Before the s, baseballs used natural cowhide-colored stitches. Both the National and American Leagues added color shortly after the turn of the century, likely to help the batter see the ball better as it approaches.
When the MLB announced the official red standard, they likely ditched black and blue thread altogether and settled on red because it was the most highly visible color already in use by both leagues. As per the Official Rulebook, pitchers may not have numbers, letters or insignias on their sleeves. Looking for more Never Stop Asking "Why? Catch up on all of the past "Why's" on the blog!
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