August 31, 1909 – A. J. Reach Co. patented the cork-centered baseball. Previously the balls had a hard rubber core to them. It sounds harmless enough, after all the core is buried under a leather cover and inner bindings. The stats tell a different story though.
According to ThisDayinBaseball.com the number of .300 hitters jumped from eight in 1910 to 27 a season later in the American League. The league’s earned run average will go from 2.53 to 3.34. We have heard about the corked bat, but the corked ball may have had an even bigger impact in the game. The modern ball has a core composed of cork and rubber.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
The Future Is Now With George Allen
When George Allen became the new head coach for the Washington Redskins in 1971,
From Radios to Real-Time Streams:Soccer Fandom Through the Years
Soccer has always been more than just a sport and it’s a cultural force
Live Casino Games Complement In-Play Sports Betting During Halftime
In the live sports betting world of speed, momentum matters. Live gamblers on the
USC Trojans Rivalries That Define College Football History
College football thrives on rivalries, and few programs embody this tradition more than the
1990 NFC Championship Game (Giants vs. 49ers) – The Game That Ended A Dynasty
From 1969 to 2006, I was a big fan of NFL football. During those
How to Plan the Perfect Sports Trip to Portugal: Complete Guide
Portugal’s emergence as Europe’s premier sports destination isn’t just hype—it’s backed by real momentum.
Billy “The Kid” Martin : Hall of Fame Worthy or No?
Billy Martin was born in Berkeley, California, in 1928. His parents split up shortly
Great NFL Linebackers Who Are Not in the Hall of Fame
There are many great pro linebackers who are enshrined in the Pro Football