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From http://www.voorhees.k12.nj.us/osage/fourth/LARSEN/JKIDS/LENA.HTM: LENA BLACKBOURNE'S RUBBING MUD by: Mrs. Larsen, courtesy of the New Jersey Historical Society Since 1938, Major League Baseball has been relying on a natural resource found only in New Jersey. At that time, an outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds named Russell Lena Blackbourne came to New Jersey looking for a certain kind of mud. Blackbourne had visited many streams to dig up mud, which he then rubbed on new baseballs to make them easier to grip. Blackbourne found a stream near Willingboro, New Jersey that had a certain kind of mud on the bottom which, when he rubbed on a new baseball, would not change the baseball's color, but improved its grip. He kept the location of this stream a secret, and began to harvest the mud, package it in cans, and sell it to Major League Baseball. When Blackbourne died, his friend John Haas continued packaging and selling the special mud. Lena Blackbourne's Rubbing Mud is still used today in Major League Baseball. Before every game, the mud is rubbed on 5 dozen new baseballs. There is even a can of the mud on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, and the place where it is found in New Jersey is still a well kept secret. American League umpire Harry Geisel's complaints about slick baseballs sparked the practice.
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Are baseballs dirted before the are used?
Lena Blackbourne's Rubbing MudThe baseballs get rubbed down before the game. A special mud is rubbed into the baseballs before the game by the umpires to take away the shine on the ball. The mud comes from a river in New Jersey, by a company started by Lena Blackburne. The place where the mud is found, and the elements used in the mixture are a well kept company secret. Lena Blackbourne's Rubbing Mud has been used since 1938, and is still used today in Major League Baseball.
What has the author Russell Barrington written?
Russell Barrington has written: 'Through Greece and Dalmatia' -- subject(s): Description and travel 'Lena's picture a story of love' 'A St. Luke of the nineteenth century' -- subject(s): History, Fiction
What are the elements found in baseball rubbing mud?
The place where the mud is found, and the elements used in the mixture are a well kept company secret. Lena Blackbourne's Rubbing Mud has been used since 1938, and is still used today in Major League Baseball. There is even a can of this mud on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The mud is found in New Jersey.
How many kids did Maggie Walker have?
Maggie Lena Walker had three sons, though one died in infancy with her husband Armstead Walker, Jr., a building contractor.
What nicknames does Lena Leon go by?
Lena Leon goes by Lena.
What is the birth name of Lena Lang?
Lena Blackburn's birth name is Lena Kleine-Wieskamp.
What nicknames does Lena Philipsson go by?
Lena Philipsson goes by Lena Ph.
The Lena River is on what delta?
The Lena River ends at the Lena Delta in Siberia.
What nicknames does Lena Chen go by?
Lena Chen goes by Leen, and Lena Bean.
What is the birth name of Lena Tabori?
Lena Tabori's birth name is Lena Rogard.
Where is the Lena Public Library in Lena located?
The address of the Lena Public Library is: 200 E. Main St., Lena, 54139 0179
What subsance do they put on a brand new baseball before they are used in a game and what is it made of?
The baseballs are rubbed down by the umpires to take the sheen off the ball . Lena Blackbourne's Rubbing Mud has been used since 1938, and is still used today in Major League Baseball. There is even a can of this mud on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The place where the mud is found in New Jersey is still a well kept secret.
