Don’t worry about your ball looking scuffed up though, it actually makes it much more authentic. In fact, if you really want a “used” look to the ball, take it outside and rub it vigorously with dirt, because that’s what baseball players do! When a ball is new, it has sort of a waxy finish on it. Rubbing dirt on it, or authentic baseball mud, (yes, there actually is such a product!) helps the pitchers have better grip and more control. Rubbing dirt on the ball is the first thing an avid fan like Captain Sisko would do with a newly replicated ball!