Materials Used to Make Macgregor Baseballs

Macgregor produces a number of different kinds of baseballs. The main difference between the balls would be the material that makes up the outer cover and the internal wrapping. These differences are the reason for the price differences among the Macgregor baseballs. The size and weight of the balls follow Major League baseball standards.

  1. Size

    • Major League baseballs are required to have a circumference of 9-9.25 inches (22.86-23.49 centimeters) and should weigh 5-5.25 ounces (141.75-148.83 grams). Macgregor follows these standards.

    Core

    • The core of a baseball is made of compressed cork and rubber. The diameter of the cork and rubber core is 13/16 inch (2.06 centimeters). The core is then surrounded by 2 rubber layers, making it a final 4 1/8 inch (10.47 centimeters) circumference.

    Inner Body

    • The core is covered with cotton, cotton/polyester or wool yarn, or twine. There can be up to four layers of this yarn or twine around the core.

    Outer Body

    • Macgregor baseballs can be found with a cowhide leather or synthetic leather outer body. To shape around the rest of the baseball, the outer material is cut into two peanut-shaped pieces. These are sewn together with 108 stitches of special waxed cotton thread. The stitch that is used for connecting these pieces is specifically designed to be less air-resistant.