Most fans have no idea how many baseballs are used in a single MLB game. Many assume one ball stays in play for several innings, but that is not the case.
In professional baseball, balls are replaced far more often than people think.
A foul ball, home run, or scuff can remove a ball right away. Umpires check each one, and players can request a new ball.
By the final out, dozens may be used. This constant rotation helps keep the game fair and consistent.
Pitchers need a clean grip, hitters expect a true bounce, and umpires ensure each ball meets league standards.
In this article, you will learn how many baseballs are used in an MLB game, why they are replaced, what happens to the used balls, and how this process keeps the game fair.
How Many Baseballs Are Used in an MLB Game?
In a typical MLB game, teams use about 90 to 120 baseballs. That number may sound high, but balls leave play often.
Umpires replace a ball after a foul, a hit into the stands, or when it gets dirty or scuffed. Pitchers also ask for a new ball if the current one feels worn.
MLB rules require clean, firm balls so players can grip and throw safely.
Before each game, teams prepare dozens of baseballs and rub them with mud to reduce shine and improve control.
Some games use even more balls if there are many foul tips or home runs. So while one ball starts the game, it does not stay in play for long.
Each replacement helps keep the game fair, safe, and consistent from start to finish.
Baseball Usage Breakdown
Baseballs are used in many settings, from pro games to casual play. Each level follows its own standards for quality, durability, and purpose.
| Reason for Removal | Estimated Balls Used |
| Foul balls into the stands | 35–50 |
| Home runs | 5–15 |
| Pitcher rejections | 40–60 |
| Dirt and grass contact | 20–30 |
| Umpire inspections | 10–15 |
| Total Per Game (Average) | 120–144 |
These numbers vary, but they give a realistic picture of how fast baseballs cycle through a game.
Why Do MLB Games Require So Many Baseballs?
In Major League Baseball, baseballs are precision tools, not just gear. I saw umpires replace balls quickly at a game, showing how even small changes matter for fairness and performance.
- Pitch Movement: Any slight imperfection can alter the way a pitch behaves, making it difficult for pitchers to execute their intended movement.
- Batter Contact: A worn or damaged ball can affect how a batter makes contact, impacting the quality of their hit.
- Spin Rate: The spin of the ball plays a crucial role in a pitcher’s control. Minor damage can disrupt the spin rate, leading to inconsistent pitches.
- Grip and Control: A baseball’s surface must be in optimal condition for a pitcher to have a secure grip, especially when using specialized pitches like curveballs or sliders.
- Player Safety: A scuffed or damaged ball can lead to unpredictable bounces or loss of control, posing a risk to players’ safety.
As a result, baseballs are replaced frequently to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure player safety.
Why Baseballs Get Taken Out of the Game?
Even small changes to a ball can affect how it moves through the air or how it comes off the bat. Because of this, umpires and players closely monitor every baseball used during the game.
1. Foul Balls Hit Into the Stands
One of the most common reasons baseballs are removed from play is when they are hit into the stands as foul balls.
The moment a ball enters the stands, it is taken out of circulation. Fans may keep these baseballs as souvenirs, but they may not be used again in any competitive play.
As a result, games can lose anywhere from 35 to 50 baseballs just from foul balls alone.
Given how frequently foul balls occur, this is one of the primary reasons baseballs disappear from the game.
2. Home Runs Become Permanent Souvenirs
Another major reason for baseballs being retired is when a home run is hit.
Regardless of whether the ball is caught by a fan, retrieved by stadium staff, or traded back to the player who hit it, the ball will never be used again in the game.
Home runs can account for the loss of 5 to 15 baseballs in a high-scoring game.
These baseballs are considered permanent souvenirs because they have made their mark in the game’s history, and they won’t re-enter the competitive action.
3. Pitcher Rejections
Pitchers are extremely selective about the baseballs they use, as the condition of the ball directly affects their ability to pitch effectively.
If a ball feels slick or slippery, has visible scuff marks, is misshapen, picks up dirt, or loses its grip consistency, pitchers have the right to request a new one.
This rejection process is quite frequent, with 40 to 60 baseballs discarded per game.
It’s one of the largest contributors to the high turnover of baseballs during a typical game.
4. Balls that Hit the Dirt or Grass
Baseballs that hit the ground, particularly in the infield or outfield, often pick up moisture, dirt, or abrasions that can affect their performance.
While some ground balls may stay in play, many others are immediately taken out of circulation after the play ends.
If the surface of the ball is scuffed, the seams are damaged, or it absorbs too much moisture, it’s no longer fit for competitive use.
This can lead to 20–30 baseballs being removed per game, since dirt and moisture affect performance.
5. Umpire Discretion and Inspections
Umpires closely monitor baseballs throughout the game to make sure each one meets league standards. I remember noticing at a live game how often an umpire quickly checked the ball before tossing it aside.
They remove any ball that looks discolored, scuffed, too soft, too hard, or inconsistent.
If it does not meet the standard, it comes out of play right away.
These checks usually lead to 10 to 15 more balls being replaced in an average game. This careful process helps keep the game fair and safe for everyone on the field.
Regular Season vs Playoff Baseball Usage
The regular season is a long 162-game schedule that leads to the playoffs. The playoffs are short, high-stakes series to win the championship.
| Category | Description | Baseballs Used Per Game | Factors Affecting Usage | Impact on Game |
| Regular Season Baseball Usage | Regular games use 120–130 balls. Foul balls, wear, and pitcher rejections cause most changes. | 120–130 | Faster pace, fewer checks, fewer fouls, less pressure | A faster pace leads to quicker ball changes from fouls and pitcher choices. |
| Playoff & World Series Baseball Usage | Playoff and World Series games use 140–200+ balls due to tougher play, more fouls, and stricter checks. | 140–200+ | Harder pitches, longer at-bats, more fouls, stricter checks, more pressure | The high-pressure setting brings stricter checks and more ball changes. |
Total Cost of Baseballs in MLB Games
MLB uses a large number of baseballs in every game. On average, a regular-season game goes through 120 to 130 balls, while playoff games can use even more.
Each official MLB baseball costs around$7 to $10. When you multiply that by 2,430 regular-season games, the numbers grow fast.
MLB spends millions of dollars each season on baseballs alone.
This total does not include spring training or postseason games, which raise the cost further. Baseballs are replaced often due to fouls, dirt, scuffs, or pitcher requests.
Umpires remove any ball that does not meet league standards.
While the cost per ball seems small, the yearly expense adds up quickly. The high usage rate is the main reason the total cost is so large.
Conclusion
Baseball may seem like a simple game played with one ball, but an MLB game works very differently.
From first pitch to last out, balls are checked and replaced to keep the play fair and safe. Most games use over 100 balls, each for a short time.
Dirt, scuffs, moisture, and grip issues can quickly change how a ball moves through the air.
At the pro level, even small changes can affect a pitch or a hit. That is why umpires, pitchers, and hitters depend on fresh, game-ready baseballs throughout the night.
The steady rotation of balls helps protect the quality of the game that fans expect.
If you enjoy learning how MLB works behind the scenes, keep reading for more clear and simple breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Pitchers Ask for New Baseballs So Often?
Pitchers rely on a clean grip and consistent feel when throwing. Even a small scuff, dirt mark, or slick spot can affect control and pitch movement. If a ball feels off, pitchers quickly ask for a replacement.
Are Baseballs Reused After Being Hit Into the Stands?
No, baseballs that enter the stands are immediately removed from play. Fans may keep them as souvenirs, and those balls are never reused in the game. A large portion of baseballs are lost this way.
Do Playoff Games Use More Baseballs than Regular-Season Games?
Yes, playoff games usually use more baseballs than regular-season games. At-bats are longer, pitchers are more careful, and umpires inspect balls more closely. All of this leads to higher baseball usage.
What Happens to Game-Used MLB Baseballs?
Some game-used baseballs are given to fans during the game. Others are authenticated by MLB and sold as collectibles. Balls tied to important moments are often saved or auctioned.
How Many Baseballs Are Prepared Before an MLB Game Starts?
Before the game begins, umpires usually prepare 6 to 8 dozen baseballs. Each ball is rubbed to improve grip, and extra baseballs are kept ready in case more are needed during the game.
