Here’s a “down-to-earth” story for you. The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has posted an article about Baseball Rubbing Mud. Discovered by then Philadelphia Athletics third base coach Lena Blackburne and now produced by Jim Bintliff, Blackburne’s Baseball Rubbing Mud has been a part of baseball for more than 70 years.
“Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud was discovered by former big leaguer and then-Philadelphia Athletics third base coach Lena Blackburne. While searching for a substance that would take the shine off new baseballs but not soften or significantly discolor the cover, Blackburne stumbled upon mud from a Delaware River tributary near his home in Burlington County, New Jersey. The exact location of the mud hole is a well-kept secret.”
Bintliff plans to be on hand this Saturday at the Hall of Fame to present a program on the topic of Rubbing Mud and its role in the history of baseball.
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