The Major League Baseball season is in full swing, and as we approach the MLB All-Star Game in July, it’s time to think a bit more about the great history of America’s pastime. Baseball has been around in some form since 1744, and there have been many wonderful memories and milestones along the way. It’s worth celebrating the sport from time to time, and that’s why, today, we’ll be telling you about the 19 things you didn’t know about the MLB.
As one of the most beloved sports in world history, there’s a lot to learn about baseball.
For instance, did you know that every baseball is made exactly the same with 216 stitches and that each baseball is covered by mud before each game? How about the fact that a famous bank robber was once a successful shortstop or that one of the largest MLB trades involved two teams trading their entire minor league rosters? Do you know how many players have hit over 700 runs? How about which stadium has the most seats? Have you ever heard about the rule outlawing left-handed catchers? Yes, there’s a lot to learn about baseball and the MLB, and we have it all covered.
To determine the facts you didn’t know about the MLB, 24/7 Tempo scoured the internet to find the most authoritative sources. We learned facts from sites like MLB.com, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, and ESPN. There’s so much to learn about the sport. It’s quite astounding, and we think you’ll enjoy what you see. (Want to learn more amazing facts, check out this list of the most legendary baseball games of all time.)
Every Baseball is Covered With Mud
One thing you likely didn’t know about the MLB is that every baseball that’s used during every game is covered in a form of mud. You can’t really see it but it’s a substance that allows the pitcher to have a better grip when they throw and handle the balls. The mud is called Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing. Back in the day, the baseballs were rubbed in dirt and water, or in some cases, shoe polish and tobacco juice, so the pitchers could get a grip.
All Baseballs Are the Same
Another interesting fact is that every MLB baseball is identical. Each baseball is made with 216 stitches that hold together eight pieces of cowhide. The first and last stitches are hidden inside the ball itself so they can hold the other stitches in place. In addition to keeping the ball in one piece, the many stitches help the pitchers to get a better grip while also allowing the ball to spin mid-air.
Baseball Was Part of the Olympics
In addition to playing baseball as part of the MLB, players were able to play the sport in the Olympics from 1992 until 2008. During that time, players came from around the world, and they could win gold, silver, and bronze medals. It’s not hard to imagine why baseball was part of the Olympics. Players need to run, lunge, jump, and throw, and more. Those are all moves found in other Olympic sports.
Boston in the World Series
There are a couple of wild facts that involve Boston teams and the World Series. The very first World Series was in 1903, and it featured the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Boston won in 5 games. Another Boston fact: the longest World Series game in history occurred in 2018 between the Boston Red Sox and the Dodgers. It went on for 18 innings.
Impressive Players in the World Series
Many players have really impressed during their time in the MLB, especially when they made it to the World Series. Player Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in the Series. Yogi Berra is the player with the most World Series rings at 10. Whitey Ford has the record for having 22 scoreless innings pitched, which is the most consecutive innings in history. Finally, Babe Ruth had 15 home runs in his World Series career, which is the most for one player in history.
Aaron Judge Has the Most Home Runs in a Season
There have been many contenders over the years, and many players have held the title of having the most home runs in a season. Currently, the record for most home runs hit during a single American League season belongs to Aaron Judge. Back in 2022, he hit his 62nd home run and sealed his fate. It’s an incredible record, especially considering that he’s had a relatively short career thus far.
Many Players Hit Home Runs Due to a Sweet Spot
You’ve likely heard baseball announcers mentioning that a player hit a ball right in the sweet spot, but you may not realize that it’s often more than just a figure of speech. There’s actually a “sweet spot” on every baseball bat that’s located about 5-7 inches from the end of the bat. Players who are able to hit the ball with that part of the bat are more likely to get a home run. When a player gets that right spot, you can hear an audible cracking sound, even out in the crowd.
The Home Plate Umpire Inspects Every Ball
Before every baseball game, the home plate umpire, otherwise known as the umpire-in-chief, has a very important job. He has to inspect every ball that will be used for the game and ensure that it meets standards and that it’s properly “rubbed” so there isn’t any gloss. The umpire also needs to ensure that there are some reserve baseballs put to the side so they can be used if the rest of the balls are lost or damaged.
A Baseball Only Lasts Six Pitches
When you watch a baseball game, it sometimes seems like they use the same ball many times, but one thing you likely didn’t know about the MLB is that the average baseball only lasts about six pitches. There are many reasons why this is so. Sometimes, the ball gets dirty or damaged. Sometimes, there’s a home run or a foul ball that goes into the stands. It could also be that a player keeps the ball because they reached some sort of milestone. Whatever the reason, it explains why eight to 10 dozen baseballs are used during every game.
It’s Hard to Hit 700 Home Runs
You may watch your favorite player hit ball after ball out of the stadium, but they may not have hit as many home runs as you thought. The ultimate goal of a hitter is to join the 700 club, but it’s harder than it seems. In fact, only four players have hit more than 700 home runs in their career, and they include Albert Pujols, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, and Hank Aaron. Barry Bonds has hit the most home runs with 762.
The Inventor of Baseball
One thing you likely didn’t know about the MLB is who invented the game to begin with. While there are different stories, most believe that it was Civil War hero Abner Doubleday who developed the game in 1839. However, while he had the bare bones, it was later on in 1845 when a group of guys started the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club and created the rules that would become what we know today as modern baseball. They are the ones who created the diamond-shaped field, the three-strike rule, and the foul lines.
The First Teams to Wear Numbers
The first team to have numbers on the players’ backs was the Cleveland Indians, and that occurred in 1929. Many people believe the Yankees were the first to have numbers. They tried it the same day as the Indians but the Yankees’ game was rained out and canceled. The first team to wear uniforms in general was the New York Knickerbockers in 1849.
A Famous Bank Robber Was Also a Great Shortstop
Another fact you likely didn’t know about the MLB is that one of the most notorious criminals of all time, John Dillinger, was once a great baseball shortstop. He was a member of the semi-pro AC Athletics, and he did quite well, even leading his team in hitting one year. However, during one game, the umpire convinced Dillinger to rob a store. He ended up in jail and played baseball there for the next decade. He didn’t learn his lesson and continued to rob banks later in life.
Famous First Pitches
The ceremonial first pitch has been a fixture of the game for over 100 years. Many politicians and celebrities throw the pitch to varying results. The first president to ever throw the ceremonial first pitch was President William Howard Taft. He threw it during opening day in 1910. Other famous first pitches were thrown by Rapper Snoop Dogg, pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen, Tom Cruise, Prince Harry, Kim Kardashian, and Jerry Seinfeld, among many others.
The Biggest MLB Trade
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after scoring on a RBI single by Yan Gomes #15 in the second inning at Truist Park on September 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
One truly astounding fact is about a trade that went down between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. It involved both teams trading their entire 25-man minor league teams. It happened when the Dodgers were moving West and the Cubs were looking to make a big change. You simply don’t hear about major trades like this anymore. It’s unlikely that you’ll see anything like it happen again.
Wild Facts About Stadium Seating and Attendance
Here are a couple of things you likely didn’t know about the MLB stadium seating. One is the fact that Dodger Stadium has the largest capacity in all of baseball, with 56,000 seats. Some nights, it’s not uncommon to see all of those seats completely filled. On the other side of the spectrum, one of the least attended games occurred in 1979. It was a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics and only 250 people came to watch the game. That’s fewer than the crowds that went to many games during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Player Died While Playing Baseball
One of the other things you didn’t know about the MLB is that one player died while playing the game. As far as the four major sports, baseball is one of the least violent, but it can still be dangerous, especially when it comes to pitching. In 1920, Ray Chapman, a player for the Cleveland Indians, was hit in the head by a baseball. The next day, he died because of his wounds. The players were not required to wear helmets then. Even though a player died, helmets still were not required for two more decades.
No Left-Handed Catchers
You may never have thought of it before, but there hasn’t been a left-handed catcher in the MLB since 1989. A left-handed catcher has a disadvantage because it’s very hard to throw to third base with any precision, especially when there’s a batter standing in front of them. It’s considered to be such a bad move that, in general, it’s a rule in the MLB that no team can have a left-handed catcher.
The Shortest and Longest MLB Games
While most MLB games are around three hours, that’s not always the case. It all depends on how well the pitchers do, how many hits and errors there are, etc. The longest game of all time was over eight hours long. In fact, it had to be played over two days. The game was 25 innings long. The fastest game in history was only 51 minutes long. It took place in 1919 between the Phillies and the Giants. (Want to know about other crazy stats? Check out this list of the most ridiculous baseball records of all time.)