Baseball (ball) facts for kids
A baseball is the special ball used in the exciting sport of baseball. It's designed to be just the right size and weight for throwing, hitting, and catching. This ball is usually about 9 to 9¼ inches (22.9 to 23.5 cm) around. It weighs about 5 ounces (142 grams). Sometimes, younger players use slightly different sized balls in their games.
Contents
What is a Baseball Made Of?
Baseball balls are made in a few similar ways. The very center of most baseballs is a small piece of cork, rubber, or a mix of both. This center part might even have different layers.
How is a Baseball Built?
After the center is ready, many layers of yarn and twine are wrapped tightly around it. Sometimes, wool is also used in these layers. This wrapping gives the ball its shape and firmness.
The Outer Cover and Stitches
Finally, a tough leather cover is placed over the wrapped core. This cover is made of two pieces. They are stitched together using 108 special stitches. These stitches are made with strong, waxed red cotton thread. Official balls used in Major League Baseball (MLB) are made very carefully. They follow exact rules for their size, weight, and how they are stitched.
Images for kids
-
A typical baseball
-
Halves of two baseballs; traditional cork-centered (left) and rubber-centered
-
Ordinary baseball
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Pelota de béisbol para niños
