MLB pumps up ball security after Tom Brady flap

Major League Baseball pumped up security for its game balls this season in the wake of the Tom Brady flap.

In the past, a ball boy or ball girl did those jobs alone.

MLB said many changes in the policy for ball security and storage were discussed by equipment managers last December at the winter meetings, before Brady and the New England Patriots were accused of deflating footballs in the AFC championship game.

Hoping to avoid a seamy situation, MLB sent a memo to all 30 teams before opening day with a nine-step procedure on ball handling.

Home teams store the new balls during the season, and the umpires’ clubhouse attendants usually rub up about eight dozen for each game.

When he needs more, he signals to the ball boys and ball girls.