How Many Baseballs Are Used in an MLB Game? (2025 Data)

By Emma Wilson · August 18, 2029

In a typical Major League Baseball (MLB) game, approximately 70 to 120 baseballs are used. This range accounts for factors such as fouls, scuffs, home runs, and MLB’s strict ball replacement policies to ensure visibility and fairness.

Why So Many Baseballs Are Used in an MLB Game

An average MLB game uses far more baseballs than most fans realize. The high number results from league regulations, player preferences, and game dynamics. Below are key reasons why dozens of baseballs are cycled through each game:

Foul balls and home runs: Balls hit into the stands are not reused.
Scuffed or dirty balls: Any ball that becomes scratched, discolored, or muddy is immediately replaced.

Pitcher requests:

Umpire discretion: Umpires proactively replace balls they deem unfit for play.
Balls hitting the dirt: Any ball that touches the infield or pitcher's mound is typically discarded.

MLB Rules Governing Baseball Usage

The official MLB rules and guidelines ensure consistent ball quality throughout the game. These standards are enforced by umpires and equipment managers.

Key Regulations

Rule 3.01: All baseballs must be new and unused at the start of the game.
Rule 4.01: Umpires inspect and approve all game balls before play begins.
On-field protocol: A ball is removed from play after touching the ground or becoming scuffed.

Ball Management Process During a Game

Each MLB team employs a dedicated bullpen catcher and clubhouse staff who prepare and organize hundreds of baseballs per game. Before first pitch, about 100–120 balls are rubbed down with Lena Blackburne Rubbing Mud, a special mud that improves grip without damaging the leather.

During the game, balls are constantly rotated:

New balls are introduced at the start of innings or upon pitcher request.
Used balls are collected by ball boys or umpires and set aside.
Damaged or dirty balls are logged and discarded.

Historical and Seasonal Ball Usage Data

The number of baseballs used per game has increased over time due to stricter quality control and anti-doctoring measures. The following table shows estimated ball usage across recent MLB seasons.

Season	Avg. Balls per Game	Total Balls Used (Regular Season)	Estimated Cost (USD)
2021	84	137,000	$1,096,000
2022	92	150,000	$1,200,000
2023	105	172,000	$1,376,000
2024	115	188,000	$1,504,000

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a steady increase in baseball usage, rising from 84 per game in 2021 to 115 in 2024. This trend reflects tighter enforcement of ball replacement rules and heightened scrutiny on foreign substances. The total cost to MLB exceeds $1.5 million annually just for game-used baseballs.

Environmental and Economic Impact

With nearly 200,000 baseballs used each season, waste and sustainability have become concerns. While most used balls are authenticated and sold as memorabilia, others are repurposed or donated.

Game-used balls are serialized and tracked for authenticity.
Some are sent to minor league teams for practice.
Charity organizations receive select balls for fundraising.

Frequently Asked Questions About MLB Baseball Usage

How many baseballs are prepared for each MLB game?

Teams typically prepare between 100 and 120 baseballs before each game. These are rubbed with special mud to remove shine and improve grip, ensuring pitchers can handle them safely.

Why are baseballs replaced so frequently during games?

Balls are replaced to maintain visibility, fairness, and safety. Scuffs, dirt, and moisture affect aerodynamics and can give pitchers an unfair advantage. MLB strictly enforces clean-ball policies to prevent doctoring.

What happens to baseballs after they are taken out of play?

Most used baseballs are authenticated, logged, and sold as official memorabilia. Others may be used for batting practice, sent to minor leagues, or donated to charity events.

Do pitchers influence how many baseballs are used?

Yes. Pitchers frequently request new balls if they feel the current one is slippery or damaged. High-strikeout or high-pitch-count games often use more baseballs due to frequent substitutions.

Has the number of baseballs used per game increased over time?

Yes. In the early 2000s, around 60–70 balls were used per game. Today’s average exceeds 100 due to stricter rules on ball tampering and enhanced monitoring since 2020.