- published: 21 Jan 2014
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A baseball is a ball used in the sport of the same name, baseball. The ball features a rubber or cork center, wrapped in yarn and covered in leather. It is 9 to 9+1⁄4 inches (229–235 mm) in circumference (2+7⁄8–3 in or 73–76 mm in diameter). The yarn or string used to wrap the baseball can be up to one mile (1 1⁄2 km) in length. Some are wrapped in a plastic like covering, while others have a leather finish.
Cushioned wood cores were patented in the late 19th century by sports equipment manufacturer Spalding, the company founded by former baseball star A.G. Spalding. During World War II, rubber centers from golf balls were used, due to wartime restrictions on the domestic use of materials. In recent years, various synthetic materials have been used to create baseballs; however, they are generally considered lower quality, and are not used in the major leagues. Using different types of materials affects the performance of the baseball. Generally a tighter-wound baseball will leave the bat faster, and fly farther. Since the baseballs used today are wound tighter than in previous years, notably the dead-ball era that prevailed through 1920, people often say that the ball is "juiced". The height of the seams also affect how well a pitcher can pitch. Generally, in Little League through college leagues, the seams are markedly higher than balls used in professional leagues.
The Stands were an English band from Liverpool.
The Stands were formed by Howie Payne in 2002. There was no fixed line up in the band originally and local musicians Martyn Campbell (Richard Ashcroft, Rain) Sean Payne (Zutons) Russel Pritchard (Zutons) and Robby Stevenson (Hokum Clones) all contributed to early shows. Payne recruited local acoustic performer Steve Pilgrim to play drums and Luke Thomson on Guitar. The trio along with Martin Cambell on Bass recorded a selection of demos at Parr St Studios in Liverpool. Payne reportedly financed the demos by roadying for The Zutons on the first UK tour.
In September 2002 the ITV program This Is Music was in Liverpool to film bands who played The Bandwagon night at The Zanzibar Club in the city. Originally The Stands were not on the bill until the rest of the bands appearing petitioned the producers of the show to add The Stands to the Program. The Stands were added to the program and performed All Years Leaving. Russ Pritchard (Zutons) played Bass. It was at this show that Dean Ravera approached the band and asked to play bass in the band. Ravera joined the band a week later and the band were invited to support The Coral on the autumn UK tour.