Umpires were now required to put new balls into play whenever the current ball became scuffed or discolored. This rule change was enforced all the more stringently following the death of Ray Chapman, who was struck in the temple by a pitched ball from Carl Mays in a game on August 16, 1920; he died the next day.
To prevent further injuries, umpires were mandated to substitute new balls whenever the current ball became scuffed or discolored. This rule was implemented more rigorously after the tragic death of Ray Chapman, who was struck in the head by a pitch from Carl Mays on August 16, 1920.