A fascinating new study has revealed the mysterious science behind Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud, a specialized substance applied to Major League Baseball (MLB) baseballs to make them easier to grip.
The mud, collected from a secret location in New Jersey, has been a staple in the sport since 1938, according to the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It improves the grip for pitchers by reducing the balls’ slickness.
Researchers found that the mud possess a unique combination of clay, water and sand to make it perfect for application to baseballs. The team tested the mud’s properties by performing a series of mechanical analyses, using instruments to simulate the effect of human grip on baseballs. The mud’s fine clay particles fill the leather’s pores, which increases adhesion, while the sand grains provide additional friction.
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