It has just the right mix of spreadability, stickiness, and friction to give pitchers a better grip on the ball.

Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud has been used since before the 1950s to improve the grip players can get on baseballs.

For more than 80 years, baseball has relied on a stash of special mud to take the shine off balls’ slick leather and give ...

A fascinating new study has revealed the mysterious science behind Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud, a specialized ...

to remove this slippery film from new baseballs. All had the effect of changing the color of the ball and some even damaged the leather of the ball, making it unusable. Lena Blackburne!

For more than 80 years, baseball has relied on a stash of special mud to take the shine off balls’ slick leather and give fielders a better grip. The substance is rubbed on every baseball before ...