roughing up finish on softballs

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

What is taught as the correct procedure for roughing up the finish on new game balls for JO and HS games? Usually I get the new balls at the plate meeting and rub them in the dirt a little after the meeting is complete. A friend of mine says that is incorrect since the players can't do, I shouldn't either. Some say give the game balls to the infielders to warm up with during the first inning but I usually forget to do this. Any thoughts or preferences? Dave

I usually get to the field early enough to insure both pitchers are using one of
the game balls for warm-up. Then with another new new ball let the defense
team use it for their warm-up. Now you have three rubbed up softballs.