Chinese housewives sew baseballs for the American people
327The production process of baseballs involves several steps. Here is a simplified explanation:
1. Core Formation: The core of a baseball is made from a small sphere of cork, rubber, or a combination of both. The materials are compressed and molded into the desired shape.
2. Windings: The core is then wrapped with multiple layers of tightly wound yarn. The yarn is typically made of wool or a synthetic material. These windings help give the ball its shape and structure.
3. Cover Application: The ball is covered with two pieces of leather stitched together. The leather used for baseballs is usually cowhide. The cover is cut into two identical shapes and stitched together using a specific stitching pattern.
4. Stitching: The cover pieces are hand-stitched using a special waxed thread. The stitching process creates the distinctive raised seams on the ball, which affects the ball's aerodynamics and grip.
5. Finishing Touches: After stitching, the baseball undergoes several finishing steps, including trimming any excess material, smoothing the seams, and applying a layer of adhesive to secure the stitching.
6. Quality Control: Each baseball is carefully inspected to ensure it meets the required standards for weight, size, and performance. Any defective balls are discarded.