scuffing the ball

In baseball, "scuffing" refers to altering the surface of the ball, often to gain an advantage. This can involve using rough materials like a belt buckle or tack to scar the ball's surface, or applying substances like saliva or tobacco juice to affect its flight. This practice was outlawed in 1920, though pitchers using it were allowed to continue until retirement. The intent behind scuffing is to make the ball drop sharply or swerve unpredictably, making it harder for the batter to hit effectively. This contrasts with the general definition of scuffing, which means damaging something by rubbing it against a rough surface.12