By Gene Galin
Chapel Hill, NC – In the world of college baseball, the focus often lies on players, coaches, and the thrill of competition. However, a crucial behind-the-scenes role is played by student managers, like Grayson Guy from the University of North Carolina, who meticulously prepare baseballs before each game. This process of “rubbing up” the balls, involves a unique technique and specialized mud that enhances grip for pitchers.
The Importance of Rubbing Up Baseballs
In professional and collegiate baseball, the preparation of game balls is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of the sport. Rubbing up baseballs involves applying a special mud to the surface of the balls, which helps players grip them better during play. This task falls to student managers, who play a significant role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly on game day. According to Grayson Guy, a student manager at UNC, the process involves preparing anywhere from four to eight dozen baseballs, depending on the game’s requirements.
The Technique Explained
The technique of rubbing up baseballs is not as straightforward as it may seem. Grayson explains that the mud is applied using a specific method that involves taking a bit of the rubbing mud and working it into the palm of the hand. This method allows for an even application across the ball’s surface. “You want to cover all the white and have an even layer all the way around the ball,” he says. This careful attention to detail ensures that pitchers have the grip they need to perform at their best.
The Mud: A Unique Substance
The rubbing mud used by baseball teams is not just any dirt; it is a specific type of mud sourced from a particular location that has been used for decades in baseball. While Grayson admits he is unsure of its exact origins, he emphasizes that it is a preferred agent for preparing baseballs. The mud’s unique properties allow it to dry out the slick surface of a new baseball, making it easier for pitchers to grip and throw effectively. “It helps with just grip for the pitchers for the most part,” Grayson notes.
The Challenges of Game Day Preparation
Game day can be hectic, especially when unexpected situations arise. Grayson recalls a particularly memorable game against Duke that went into extra innings, resulting in an urgent need for more baseballs. “We were just back here rubbing and running back and forth,” he recounts.
The Role of Student Managers
Student managers like Grayson are often unsung heroes in the world of college athletics. They handle a wide range of responsibilities, from managing equipment to assisting coaches and players. The process of rubbing up baseballs may seem trivial to some, but it plays a vital role in the game of baseball. Grayson, who has graduated this spring, expresses his commitment to the team, saying, “I just come back on the weekends. It’s fun to be a part of and try to help out as much as I can.”
In the end, the essence of baseball lies not just in the players on the field but in the entire ecosystem that supports them, making every game a testament to teamwork, preparation, and passion for the sport.
Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud is a brand of specially prepared mud used to prepare balls in the sport of baseball before they are put into play. Newly manufactured baseballs have a somewhat slick and glossy surface, so when new they are rubbed down with the mud to reduce the slickness and give pitchers a firmer grip and better control without damaging or discoloring the ball.