Midday Mailbag: Are all the baseballs used cheaper by the dozen?

Each weekday, I’ll be answering at least one question, sometimes more. If you’d like to ask a question, please send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may edited for style, clarity and length.

Question:  I’m amazed at how many balls get thrown out during an Oriole game. On average, how many balls do they go through in a game and what happens to the ones that get tossed? From: Carl in Baldwin

Answer: Carl, on average between 96 and 120 balls are used in a typical nine-inning game. Balls are packaged by the dozen, so it’s between eight and 10 dozen in most games. Used balls are used in batting and fielding practice as well as in bullpen sessions before the game. Some are auctioned off to charity.

Question: Tracked stats include splits in day games vs. night games. What is the cutoff start time for a day game? Are stats adjusted if a day game that’s delayed by rain for 90 minutes? From: Alan Andrysia via email

Answer: Alan, day games must start before 5 p.m. If a game scheduled for 4:05 doesn’t start until after 5, it’s still a day game.