Why are baseballs white?

Answer 1

if you want to hit a ball doin +80mph you'd wanna see it, rain or shine, same goes for catching it

Answer 2

There was a big explosion in offensive statistics in baseball in the 1920s. For example, Babe Ruth had set a major league record with 29 home runs in the 1919 season, breaking Gavvy Cravath's 4-year-old record of 25 home runs in 1915 -- and then, in 1920, he shattered his own record by hitting 54, and had similar totals for much of the decade (his peak was 60 in 1927).

It wasn't until the 1920s that the major leagues took baseballs out of play when they got dirty and/or scuffed, and so a big part of the sharp jump in hitting statistics in the 1920s can be attributed to the fact that it was the first time players were getting to see fresh, clean, white baseballs all the time.

Heck, in the early days of organized baseball, even in professional games, there was usually only one ball for the entire game -- so by the late innings, it would probably be coated with mud, or have the cover partially torn off, or something like that. Frankly, it's amazing this game ever caught on.

Answer 3

Back in the 1900's, baseball used to use the same ball the entire game. Pitchers would purposely scuff the ball with metal, dirt, grease and tobacco juice. They could actually get the ball to take on a lopsided shape that would have incredible breaks and curves to it. Toward the end of games the ball would blend in to the background behind the pitcher making it almost impossible to see. One time a pitcher threw the ball (can't remember the name) the batter didn't see it and it struck him in the temple, crushing his skull and klling him. It is the only death during a pro baseball game in history. A new rule was put in place that everytime the umpire sees a ball discolored or scuffed, he puts a new one in play. That is why you see umpires inspect balls during a game and then throw them out of play.

Answer 4

Tradition.

Answer 5

Because they are, why does it even matter.

You asked the same question about why some softballs are green.

What the hell is wrong with you, would you also like to know the meaning of life, and why no one loves you?

Answer 6

so you can see the rotation of the seams & how would you like to catch or hit something traveling at over 90 mph at night, under the lights

Answer 7

Thats because they haven't seen daylight. You gotta tan em up a bit.

Answer 8

because basketballs r orange and footballs r brown and soccer balls r black and white so white was left

Answer 9

see they had their bathing suits on one day and they got red lines from the sun so now they try to stay away from the light

Answer 10

Tradition, also white is an easier color to see than black.or brown.

Answer 11

So they can be seen when coming at you 95 mph.