Baseball is one of the most beloved sports in the United States. It is a part of the fabric of American culture and it is beloved by millions of people around the world. It is no surprise then that the production of baseballs is an important part of the economy of the US. In this article, we will explore the US manufacturing process for baseballs and where the majority of them are made.
History of US Baseballs Manufacturing
Baseball manufacturing in the US has a long and storied history. The first baseballs were hand-stitched in 1858 by John W. Griswold and his son, William. Their company, Griswold and Gunnison, continued to make baseballs until 1877 when it was sold to Spalding. A.G. Spalding & Bros. then became the premier manufacturer of baseballs, producing them until the early 1950s.
In the 1950s, rival companies Wilson and Rawlings began to enter the market and began to compete with Spalding. These three companies, Spalding, Wilson, and Rawlings, have been the major players in the US baseballs manufacturing business ever since.
Current US Baseballs Manufacturing Process
Today, the US baseballs manufacturing process is highly automated and efficient. The process is broken down into four key steps:
- 1. Raw Materials: The first step in the process is to procure the necessary raw materials for the baseballs. This includes the leather for the cover, the wool for the windings, the cork for the core, and the thread for the stitching.
- 2. Cutting and Stitching: The leather and wool are cut into the appropriate shapes and sizes, and then stitched together using the thread.
- 3. Core Assembly: The cork core is then assembled and inserted into the ball.
- 4. Finishing and Packaging: The ball is then inspected, polished and packaged for shipping.
Where Are US Baseballs Manufactured?
The majority of baseballs manufactured in the US are produced by three major companies: Rawlings, Wilson, and Spalding. Rawlings is the largest baseballs manufacturer in the US and produces around 70% of all baseballs sold in the US. Wilson and Spalding each produce around 15-20% of all baseballs in the US.
Rawlings has two main factories in the US, one in Costa Rica and one in the Dominican Republic. Wilson has two main factories in the US, one in Maryland and one in Tennessee. Spalding has a single factory in Ohio.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of baseballs manufactured in the US are produced by three major companies: Rawlings, Wilson, and Spalding. Rawlings is the largest baseballs manufacturer in the US and produces around 70% of all baseballs sold in the US. Wilson and Spalding each produce around 15-20% of all baseballs in the US. These companies have factories located in various states across the US, as well as in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.