A typical Major League game goes through roughly 100 to 120 baseballs, and the average ball lasts only about six pitches before it is tossed into the stands, hit out, fouled away or swapped out by the umpire. Across a 2,430 game regular season, that adds up to well over 250,000 balls.
Equipment explained
Baseballs per MLB game
How fast balls cycle through a game
Balls used per game
About 100 to 120Roughly eight to ten dozen
Average life of a ball
About six pitches
Prepared before each game
Around ten dozenEvery one rubbed with mud
Regular season total
Well over 250,0002,430 games times roughly 110 balls
Storage
Humidors at all 30 ballparksRequired since 2022 to keep balls consistent
Postseason
Special commemorative ballsMarked for the round
Figures are typical estimates; counts vary by game length.
Why Balls Leave the Game
| Reason | What happens |
|---|---|
| Foul balls into the stands | Fans keep them |
| Home runs | Gone for good |
| Balls in the dirt | The umpire usually swaps it out |
| Scuffs or marks | Replaced to keep pitchers from gaining an edge |
| Toss ups | Players flip third out balls to fans |
Where the Old Balls Go
Balls taken out of play for a scuff or dirt are often used for batting practice or authenticated and sold, especially from milestone games. Every new ball has to be prepped first; see why MLB rubs mud on baseballs.
Related
How much does a baseball weigh · How many stitches on a baseball · What are baseballs made of · Why MLB rubs mud on baseballs
Game ball procedures from MLB.com.