“Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was written by Jack Norworth in 1908 after seeing a billboard for a baseball game. The song was popularized by vaudeville singers and wasn’t played during baseball games until 1934. Norworth attended his first baseball game in 1940 and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. […]
Basketball used jump balls to determine possession until 1937 when the team that did not score received the ball. In 1981, the alternating possession rule was enacted. Other NCAA basketball rules include designated free throw shooters, no coaching during games in 1910-1911, and no climbing walls to reach the basket. Basketball teams have not always […]
The Wiffle® ball is a plastic ball with eight holes on the top, used in a popular backyard game similar to baseball. It was invented in 1952 by David A. Mullany and is sold in different sizes. The game is played with a plastic bat and doesn’t involve running bases. The ball’s design and safety […]
A ball washer is a tool found on golf courses that uses soapy water and bristles to clean golf balls. It is important to keep golf balls clean for a more natural flight and greater distance. The ball washer is a small box-shaped case elevated on a pole, and the ball is placed on a […]
Team sports rely on true team play, not individual scorers. Players who monopolize the ball are known as hedgehogs or pigs. Being a ball hog can hurt the team’s ability to defend or score, and hurt team morale. Coaches work to break the habit. There are a number of team sports, such as basketball or […]
The Swiss ball is a large inflatable exercise ball used for therapy, fitness, and exercise routines. It is popular with athletes and beginners and can be used for balance, core strength, and conditioning. It was developed in the 1960s and is known by many names. The ball is durable, cheap, safe, and offers a variety […]
Babe Ruth paid $20 to retrieve his 700th home run ball in 1934. He also offered the same amount for fans who caught his 500 and 600 home run balls. Despite his success, he was not included on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot by 11 voters. Ruth’s rookie card sold for $450,300 in 2013. […]
A tennis ball hopper is a wire or metal basket used to collect and store tennis balls during training sessions. It has handles that can also serve as legs, making it easy to collect balls without bending over. It comes in different sizes and can hold up to 100 tennis balls. It is available at […]
A ball valve is a quarter-turn valve with a ball that controls fluid flow. It can be two-way or three-way, and is controlled by a handle. It’s good for shutting off streams, but not precise control. There are three types: full bore, standard port, and small-port. A ball valve, a type of quarter-turn valve, is […]
Ball tools are stainless steel equipment used by pastry chefs for sugar paste and gum paste decoration. They come in various shapes and sizes, some with multipurpose features. Ball tools require delicacy and are used to create shapes with fondant material. They are versatile and used in hundreds of different ways by fondant artists and […]
A ball joint socket is a mechanical connection used in vehicles and machinery that consists of a round ball or bearing rotating inside a cup or socket. It combines strength, flexibility, and shock absorption to reduce wear. It is commonly used in modern car steering and suspension systems and comes in sealed or unsealed units […]
Ball screws are a type of nut and bolt with a unique design consisting of many ball bearings within a sleeve. They provide smooth motion and are used in industries such as robotics and aeronautics. They are highly efficient but expensive and not suitable for all industries due to restrictions and the need for cleanliness. […]
An anchor ball is a buoyant ball with a ring used to retrieve an anchor. It is useful for small boats lacking equipment to carry the line and can save time and energy. Safety precautions should be taken to avoid entangling the anchor line in the boat’s propellers. An anchor ball is a piece of […]
Wrecking balls are large steel balls used to demolish structures, suspended from a crane or other tall construction equipment. Modern versions are pear-shaped for easier removal from wreckage. Experienced demolition professionals operate the controls to generate momentum for a powerfully destructive moment. However, new demolition technologies are faster, more precise, and less expensive, making the […]
Ball turrets were rotating casings for weapons on aircraft during WWII. They allowed gunners to fire on attacking aircraft but were difficult and dangerous to operate. Modern aircraft use remote weapon systems instead. Replicas of ball turrets can be seen in military museums. A ball turret is a rotating casing for weapons mounted on the […]
The ball bearing motor runs on thermal energy and can be built easily with salvaged parts. It rotates in response to high currents and can spin very fast. Safety precautions should be taken when handling it. An electrical device, a ball bearing motor runs on thermal energy, rotating in response to starting with high currents. […]
Ball bearings are small metal or ceramic balls used to reduce friction in various applications. They were first patented in 1791 by Philip Vaughan and have since been used in manufacturing and machines. They allow for both rotary and axial motion and are perfectly round and smooth. Making them involves using machines to remove flashing […]
Ball mills grind materials into a fine powder using cylindrical containers and grinding materials such as ceramic balls, stainless steel balls, and flint pieces. They are often used in pyrotechnics and mechanical alloying. Planetary ball mills are used in laboratories. They should be operated by trained professionals and cannot be used with flammable or sensitive […]
Ball valve actuators are mechanical devices used to remotely or automatically open and close ball valves. They are part of a family of quarter-turn actuators and are powered by electric motors, compressed air, or oil. Ball valves are commonly used in various industries and require only a 45-degree turn to open or close. Ball valve […]
A ballcock controls the water level in a toilet tank to prevent overflow. It consists of a hollow sphere attached to a lever that closes the valve when the water reaches a certain level. It can be made of metal or plastic and is replaceable. Understanding how it works is important for repair. Both metal […]
