Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes. Players have many different tricks and tips to help them maximize their performance on the field. One of these tricks involves using Vaseline on the ball. But what does putting Vaseline on a baseball do? In this article, we will explore the various purposes for and benefits of applying Vaseline to baseballs.
What is Vaseline?
Vaseline is a brand of petroleum jelly-based products owned by the Anglo-Dutch company Unilever. It is often used as a lubricant, moisturizer, and skin protectant. Petroleum jelly is a mixture of hydrocarbons, or hydrocarbon-based materials, that are semi-solid at room temperature. It is usually colorless and odorless.
How Does Vaseline Affect a Baseball?
1. Improved Grip
Vaseline can be applied to baseballs to improve the grip. This is because petroleum jelly is a lubricant, which makes it easier to hold the ball. The Vaseline also helps reduce friction between the ball and the player’s hands. This can help a pitcher have better control of the ball and make it easier for a batter to make good contact with the ball.
2. Reduced Drag
Vaseline can reduce the amount of air resistance, or drag, a baseball experiences when it is thrown. This is because the Vaseline helps make the surface of the ball smoother. This reduces the amount of turbulence created by the air passing over the ball’s surface, which decreases the drag. This can help a pitch move faster and make it harder for a batter to track the ball.
3. Increased Break
Using Vaseline on a baseball can also increase the amount of break a pitch has when it is thrown. This is because the Vaseline reduces the friction between the ball and the air, allowing it to move more freely through the air. This can make a pitch more difficult for a batter to track and can also make it more difficult to hit.
4. Better Ball Movement
Vaseline can also help a pitcher get more movement on their pitches. This is because the Vaseline helps reduce the amount of drag on the ball, allowing the ball to move more freely through the air. This can help a pitcher create more movement on their pitches and make them more difficult to hit.
5. Longer Shelf Life
Using Vaseline on a baseball can also help extend the life of the ball. This is because the Vaseline helps keep the ball from drying out and cracking. This can help ensure that the ball stays in good condition and can be used for longer periods of time.
What Are the Risks of Using Vaseline on a Baseball?
1. Health Risks
There are some potential health risks associated with using Vaseline on a baseball. This is because Vaseline is a petroleum-based product, which means that it can contain potentially hazardous chemicals. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and can cause health problems. It is important to make sure that any Vaseline used on a baseball is properly handled and disposed of.
2. Illegal in Some Leagues
It is important to note that applying Vaseline to a baseball is not allowed in some baseball leagues. This is because it can provide an unfair advantage to the pitcher, as it can make the ball harder to hit and can also make it move more erratically. It is important to check with your local league to make sure that using Vaseline on a baseball is not prohibited.
3. Poor Quality Ball
Applying Vaseline to a baseball can also potentially lead to a poor quality ball. This is because the Vaseline can seep into the leather of the ball and can damage it over time. This can make the ball less durable and can also make it more difficult to throw.
How to Apply Vaseline to a Baseball
1. Clean the Ball
The first step in applying Vaseline to a baseball is to make sure that the ball is clean. This will help ensure that the Vaseline does not mix with any dirt or debris on the ball. The best way to clean the ball is to use a soft cloth and some warm water.
2. Apply Vaseline
Once the ball is clean, the Vaseline can be applied. It is important to use a small amount of Vaseline, as too much can make the ball difficult to throw. The Vaseline should be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the ball.
3. Let Dry
Once the Vaseline is applied, the ball should be left to dry for a few minutes. This will help ensure that the Vaseline soaks into the leather of the ball and does not run off. It is important to make sure that the ball is completely dry before it is used.
4. Store Properly
It is important to make sure that the ball is stored properly after the Vaseline is applied. This means that the ball should be kept in a cool, dry place and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures. This will help ensure that the Vaseline does not wear off of the ball.
Conclusion
Vaseline can be a useful tool for baseball players. It can help improve grip, reduce drag, increase break, and help ensure that the ball stays in good condition. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of using Vaseline on a baseball, such as health risks and the fact that it is illegal in some leagues. It is also important to make sure that the ball is properly cleaned and stored after the Vaseline is applied. With the proper use of Vaseline, baseball players can take their game to the next level.