Baseballs have come a long was since the mid-1800s. In today's leagues, baseballs are all consistent in shape, size and material but it was not always this way. Early baseballs were composed of any materials that could be found. Baseballs varied in shape, size and weight. Early baseballs provided little uniformity in the game.
Materials
The first baseballs were made of a core, which could be any solid, light-weight material that could be comprised in the shape of a ball. This ball was then wound with yarn or string. Brown leather often covered the yarn or string. Four pieces of leather were stitched together. The stitching resembled an "X." The stitching was frequently referred to as a rose pedal or lemon peel.
Weight
Before 1845, most baseballs were extremely light and soft. They were so soft that fielders were allowed to hit the runner with a ball in order to throw him out. Balls were approximately 5.5 to 6 oz. in weight up until 1853. This was decided by a meeting of three New York baseball teams: Eagles, Gotham and Knickerboxer.
Size
Early baseballs were small with no standards for size. Balls were approximately three-quarters to 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
First Baseball Convention
The first baseball convention was held in New York in 1857. Fifteen teams were in attendance. During this meeting, the size of the official baseball was voted on. Baseballs were now required to be between 10 and 10 1/4 inches in circumference. Baseballs must weigh between 6 and 6 1/4 oz.
Manufacturers
Before 1858, all baseballs were manufactured by the players. In 1858, H.P. Harwodo and Son of Natick, Massachusetts, became the first factory to manufacture baseballs. The baseball used a two-piece, figure eight stitching like the type of stitching used on a baseball today. Horsehide and cowhide comprised the core of baseballs.
Today's Baseball
The baseballs of today all follow a very consistent pattern. The core of the baseball is composed of cork -- first introduced in 1910. The cork is wrapped in two layers of thin rubber. The baseball is then wrapped in wool yarn. Baseballs are covered with a rubber cement. On top of this cement, goes white cowhide and red stitching.
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