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
Cheers and Gears: The Tech Behind Today’s College Football Experience
The college football experience has evolved tremendously over the past decade, integrating new technologies
Pro Quarterback Magazine: A Nostalgic Journey Through NFL History
Although it is difficult to get much information on when the first issue was
The Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of the 1970s
Well, I have refrained from discussing this topic, because I know that it will
How Sports Betting Has Shaped Kansas – A Historical Overview
Sports betting has a rich history in the United States, with each state contributing
1986 World Series Flashback: The Mets Triumph Over the Red Sox
The New York Mets franchise began with seven losing seasons in a row, 1962–1968.
From Peach Bowl Bets to Online Wagers – A Look at Georgia’s Gambling History
In spite of a noticeable uptick in calls for legalizing sports betting in Georgia over
What Builds A Football (Soccer) Player’s Ego?
Football (soccer), like many sports, is a game not only of skill but also
Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1946 thru 1973)
Most modern-day NFL football fans are familiar with the dynasty of the New England