Official National League 5X Baseball

The Spalding 5x baseball, so called because it was 5% livelier, was an experimental baseball used in selected spring training games in 1970. The experiment was discontinued because of concerns over the safety of both players and fans.

Joseph Cronin, whose stamp appears on the American League 5X ball (pictured below) referred to the 5x derisively as Bowie Kuhn’s “little experiment,” and said, “I’ve seen enough of it. It should be outlawed.”

A COA that accompanied a 5X baseball bought at a Cincinnati Reds Gift Shop in 1972 Reads: “This to certify that the enclosed 5-X Experimental Baseball is one of a small number produced in 1972 for Major League Baseball. This Baseball, however, was found to be to lively & exceeded maximum velocity restrictions. It’s manufacture was discontinued. This is one of twelve 5-X Baseball being made available to collectors.”

It is believed that multi-colored stitching (Red & Blue) was used on the baseball so players and umpires can identify the ball immediately–an important design element given potential safety concerns.

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Official American League 5X Spalding Baseball	Official National League 5X Spalding Baseball

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