# MLB question **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [October 14, 2012, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695 "2012-10-14T15:51:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2012, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/1 "2012-10-14T15:51:51Z")
OK. The pitcher throws the ball and it hits the dirt in front of home plate. The ball is always taken out of play. On another pitch the ball is an infield grounder. Play is made and the ball stays in play. In both cases the ball hits the ground. But in the first example, the ball is taken out of play. Why is that? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2012, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/2 "2012-10-14T16:04:32Z")
In both cases, the ball is taken out of play. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/3 "2012-10-22T03:47:04Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > In both cases, the ball is taken out of play. I don’t think so. I think the OP is accurate, and the reason for that (only a guess) is because the batted ball remained in play. Another possible reason is (again, a guess) because a pitcher could intentionally want to scuff a ball like in the OP’s scenario, to get more “bite” on his movement. Therefore, one scenario may be intentional, while the other certainly is not. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/4 "2012-10-22T04:37:36Z")
> **[MLB Official Information | MLB.com](https://www.mlb.com/official-information)** > > Official information about Major League Baseball 3.01e2 Says that a ball that has become discolored is taken out of play. I believe that any ball that hits the grass or dirt will become discolored. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/5 "2012-10-22T04:50:04Z")
Fair enough, but who will take it out of play? After a hit, umpires don’t usually ask the pitcher to check the ball for discoloration. I keep seeing balls hit in play without being taken out. They’re usually taken out of play when requested by the pitcher. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/6 "2012-10-22T05:05:46Z")
> [@echo7tango](#): > > Fair enough, but who will take it out of play? After a hit, umpires don’t usually ask the pitcher to check the ball for discoloration. I keep seeing balls hit in play without being taken out. They’re usually taken out of play when requested by the pitcher. [http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/06/30/12/Major-League-balls-have-a-short-shelf-li/landing\_twins.html?blockID=754358](http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/06/30/12/Major-League-balls-have-a-short-shelf-li/landing_twins.html?blockID=754358) Here is an article that backs you up but says that it is becoming increasingly rare these days. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/7 "2012-10-22T05:43:15Z")
Thank you echo7tango for bringing the thread back and “fighting ignorance”. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2012, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-question/637695/8 "2012-10-22T06:16:19Z")
Now we know approximately how many baseballs are used in a game. Anyone know how much these MLBs cost each? I am sure it is less than A-Rod’s paycheck. But in the course of a season, it could some amount to some serious cash, no?