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It has just the right mix of spreadability, stickiness, and friction to give pitchers a better grip on the ball.
Since the 1940s, baseball players have been spreading a special kind of "magic mud" on new baseballs to reduce the slick, glossy shine and give pitchers a firmer grip. Now, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have identified just what gives that magic mud its special properties, according to a new paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Before magic mud came along, baseballs were treated with a mix of water and soil from the infield or, alternatively, tobacco juice or shoe polish. But these substances stained and scratched up the ball's leather surface. Lena Blackburne was a third-base coach for the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1930s when an umpire complained about that, so he hunted for a better mud. Blackburne found that mud in a still-secret location purportedly near Palmyra, New Jersey, and a baseball dynasty was born: Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud. Once harvested, the mud is strained, skimmed of excess water, rinsed with tap water, and then subjected to a secret "proprietary treatment" before being allowed to settle.
Great story. Baseball has gone to great lengths to limit the substances pitchers rub on the ball or keep on their fingers. In some ways it is good because it prevents them from being able to increase spin with a better grip but it also increases the danger that a ball will slip out of their hands and hit batters.
8 of the top 10 years ever for HBPs have come in the last 8 seasons.
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I thought the pitchers were allowed to use chalk? Is this for grip or looks?
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It's rosin not chalk. It is derived from the sap of a fir tree. It's a powdery substance that get tacky when mixed with sweat so they can grip the ball better.
This is a cool story but they don't allow MLB pitchers to use any of this stuff anymore. Only rosin and sweat. They can lick their fingers if they are dry but not while they are on the mound.
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Licking your fingers....gross.
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