Bleacher Bums HR Balls

I'm going to say the number is somewhere between zero and zero.... an MLB team goes through so many baseballs as it is, I'd be shocked if there was ever a consideration to put one back into the rotation. Unless you're talking in the "old days" haha 

Life of a ML baseball is 7 pitches.  If the fan is throwing a ball back to make them think it's the HR or foul ball, that's one dumb fan.

Do you really think that no one would notice it wasn't regulation. 

Hey, hey. That's not a politically correct topic line. Should be bleacher "homeless people" HR balls. Hahahaha. 

To answer the question, the chances are zero. The fans might be fooled, but anyone who handles the ball will know. 

I would agree that it isn't going to happen, maybe 35 years ago or longer it might have happened. Or maybe not? I was watching a summer collegiate game this summer where foul balls were constantly being run down and returned. Kid that was closing the game ended up with an old high school raised seam ball that came from outside the fence and used it for the final batters that he struck out.

Even if it got back to the ump (which it wouldn't), there is zero chance a MLB pitcher isn't going to notice, or is going to want to throw it.

ironhorse posted:

Even if it got back to the ump (which it wouldn't), there is zero chance a MLB pitcher isn't going to notice, or is going to want to throw it.

Even with a cut the size of Mike Scott's fingertip?

TPM posted:

Life of a ML baseball is 7 pitches.  If the fan is throwing a ball back to make them think it's the HR or foul ball, that's one dumb fan.

Do you really think that no one would notice it wasn't regulation. 

I think even this is a high number from a few years ago. MLB puts out this number every year and I remember it going down from 7 to 6 pitches about four or five years ago. I believe the current number is 3.5 pitches. And, no, I don't believe they ever put a home run ball (or any hit ball, for that matter) back into play.

edit: Unless Salvador Perez is behind the plate, then it's one. 

roothog66 posted:

TPM posted:

Life of a ML baseball is 7 pitches.  If the fan is throwing a ball back to make them think it's the HR or foul ball, that's one dumb fan.

Do you really think that no one would notice it wasn't regulation. 

I think even this is a high number from a few years ago. MLB puts out this number every year and I remember it going down from 7 to 6 pitches about four or five years ago. I believe the current number is 3.5 pitches. And, no, I don't believe they ever put a home run ball (or any hit ball, for that matter) back into play.

 

edit: Unless Salvador Perez is behind the plate, then it's one. 

I can't find recent info that it is less than 6 or 7, 3.5 could be average. I do agree with you that any HR ball will ever see another ML pitch, as any hit ball.

I did write to one of our old timers, who is the president of OT Bat Company, ironically a bat used by Salvador Perez.

TPM posted:

Life of a ML baseball is 7 pitches.  If the fan is throwing a ball back to make them think it's the HR or foul ball, that's one dumb fan.

Do you really think that no one would notice it wasn't regulation. 

That's the stat I remember hearing a few years ago.  Wouldn't surprise me if that number is lower now.

As always Google is your friend:

http://www.foxsports.com/north...rt-shelf-life-062912

http://www.foxsports.com/north...rt-shelf-life-062912

"There are 144 baseballs opened and ready for each game, and an additional 6 dozen in reserve. "

144 baseballs for one game????  When I was head coach I was hoping to get by with half dozen each game or we were going to have to do a carwash / bake sale to buy more balls for end of the season.

I'm guessing balls used during game get turned into BP balls the next day.

or sold as Game used balls. But that number is a bit high to sell that many.