Who Makes Major League Baseballs? Rawlings Explained

By Sarah Miller · February 6, 2038

Major League Baseballs are made by Rawlings, the official supplier of baseballs for Major League Baseball (MLB) since 1977. Each ball is handcrafted in Costa Rica using high-quality cowhide, wool yarn, and cork-centered cores to meet strict MLB specifications for weight, size, and performance.

History of Major League Baseball Manufacturing

Understanding who makes major league baseballs requires a look into the history of baseball production and how standards evolved over time.

Early Days of Baseball Production

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, baseballs were often handmade by teams or local suppliers with inconsistent quality. Balls varied in size, weight, and durability, leading to unpredictable gameplay.

Teams used homemade or locally produced balls.
No standardized construction existed before the 20th century.
Ball lifespan was short due to poor materials and stitching.

Standardization and Rawlings' Rise

The need for consistency led MLB to adopt uniform standards. In 1977, Rawlings became the exclusive provider of baseballs, ensuring every ball met exacting criteria.

Rawlings won the MLB contract based on quality and reliability.
All balls must weigh between 5 and 5.25 ounces and measure 9 to 9.25 inches in circumference.
Each ball uses 108 stitches of red waxed thread, hand-sewn by skilled artisans.

Where Are MLB Baseballs Made?

While Rawlings is an American company, major league baseballs are manufactured in Costa Rica. This facility has been operational since the 1980s and specializes in high-precision sports equipment.

Why Costa Rica?

The decision to produce baseballs abroad balances craftsmanship, cost-efficiency, and supply chain logistics.

Skilled labor force trained in precision hand-stitching.
Stable manufacturing environment with quality control oversight.
Proximity to raw material sourcing and U.S. distribution hubs.

How MLB Baseballs Are Constructed

Each baseball goes through a meticulous multi-step process to ensure it meets MLB’s rigorous standards.

Core Assembly

The core starts with a small cork sphere surrounded by two layers of rubber. This “pill” forms the foundation of the ball.

Yarn Wrapping

Multiple layers of wool and poly/cotton yarn are tightly wound around the core. The wool helps maintain resilience and shape under impact.

Cowhide Covering

Two pieces of premium cowhide leather are stitched together using 108 stitches. The leather is sourced from Tennessee and tanned to resist scuffing.

Component	Material	Weight Contribution	Function
Cork-Rubber Core	Cork, Black & Red Rubber	~1.4 oz	Provides bounce and energy transfer
Wool Yarn Layers	Gray Wool, Poly/Cotton Blend	~1.0 oz	Absorbs shock and maintains shape
Cowhide Cover	Top-Grain Cowhide (Tennessee)	~0.7 oz	Durable surface for grip and aerodynamics
Stitching Thread	Red Waxed Polyester	~0.1 oz	Holds cover securely; affects pitch movement
Total Ball Weight	N/A	5.0–5.25 oz	Meets MLB regulation

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that no single component dominates the ball's weight, but each plays a critical role in performance. The cork-rubber core enables liveliness off the bat, while wool yarn ensures durability during high-speed impacts. The tight tolerances reflect MLB’s commitment to consistency across all games.

Quality Control and Inspection Process

Before reaching stadiums, every baseball undergoes rigorous testing.

Balls are measured for circumference, weight, and seam height.
They are machine-tested for coefficient of restitution (COR), measuring bounciness.
Random samples are sent to MLB labs for compression and durability checks.

Only balls passing all tests are stamped with the MLB logo and approved for game use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Major League Baseballs

Who currently manufactures official MLB baseballs?

Rawlings has been the exclusive manufacturer of official Major League Baseballs since 1977. The balls are produced in their factory in Costa Rica under strict supervision to meet MLB specifications.

Are MLB baseballs made by hand?

Yes, each MLB baseball is hand-stitched with 108 stitches of red waxed thread. While machines assist in winding yarn and pressing cores, the final assembly and stitching are done manually by skilled workers to ensure precision.

Why does Rawlings make MLB baseballs in Costa Rica?

Rawlings moved production to Costa Rica in the 1980s to leverage a trained workforce experienced in fine leatherwork and consistent manufacturing conditions. The location also offers logistical advantages for shipping to U.S. markets.

What materials are used in a major league baseball?

An MLB baseball consists of a cork center coated with rubber, wrapped in layers of wool and synthetic yarn, and covered with two pieces of top-grain cowhide leather from Tennessee, stitched together with red waxed polyester thread.

How many baseballs are used in a typical MLB season?

MLB uses approximately 1.1 million baseballs per regular season. With 30 teams playing 162 games each, and an average of 8–10 dozen balls used per game, this number accounts for fouls, home runs, scuffs, and routine replacements.

Conclusion

Rawlings remains the sole producer of major league baseballs, crafting each one to exact standards in Costa Rica. From cork cores to hand-stitched cowhide covers, every element is engineered for performance and consistency. As MLB continues to monitor ball behavior for fairness and safety, Rawlings’ role as the official supplier underscores its legacy in America’s pastime.