[TBP]

Reportedly, Elston Howard used to scratch up balls with his belt buckle, then throw them back.

[mmichaels1970]

Don’t know why I never thought about it. Makes perfect sense.

[Fido969]

Reportedly, Elston Howard used to scratch up balls with his belt buckle, then throw them back.

I think if I were the pitcher, and the catcher were to scratch his balls before throwing back, I wouldn't catch the thing.

[Vigilanteman]

Elston Howard played in an era when they used maybe four or five baseballs in an entire game. Now they use that many in a single inning.