Chase Field is getting a humidor. But it’s not for cigars. It’s for baseballs.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced that the club will be installing one to store baseballs at the Phoenix ballpark, which at 1,059 feet above sea level, is at the second-highest elevation in Major League Baseball.
At more than a mile high, Coors Field in Denver where the Rockies play, is at the highest elevation and is currently the only ballpark to use humidors to store hardballs.
MLB spokesman Michael Teevan says the Diamondbacks asked for the permission to do so.
“The goal of it is maintain consistency in our all of venues in the handling of baseballs. We do not mandate that each club maintain a humidor, but it is an option that teams may request approval for," Teevan said.
The Diamondbacks made the request to help its pitching staff — and those from other teams — limit the amount of home runs hit at Chase Field.
In addition to the altitude, the lack of humidity also makes the ball soar farther here and makes it more difficult to grip for pitchers.