The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the text provided, the correct answer is: Modern baseballs are quite different from early balls such as the lemon peel ball.
Explanation
This statement accurately captures the central idea of the passage because the entire text is structured to highlight the evolution of the baseball. The main purpose is to contrast the characteristics of early baseballs, using the “lemon peel” ball as a primary example, with the highly regulated, standardized baseball used today.
The passage begins with a clear topic sentence: “The modern baseball has come a long way from early baseballs.” This sentence immediately establishes the theme of change over time. The rest of the paragraph provides specific details to support this main point. It describes how early balls were often self made by pitchers, lacked uniform standards, and had a distinct construction and appearance. For instance, the lemon peel ball was made from a single piece of dark brown leather and was generally smaller and lighter than its modern counterpart.
In contrast, the passage details the strict specifications for today’s Major League baseball. It must adhere to precise measurements for size (9 to 9.25 inches) and weight (5 to 5.25 ounces). Furthermore, its appearance is standardized, requiring white leather and red, waxed stitches.
The other options are incorrect because they focus on supporting details rather than the overarching theme. The fact that the lemon peel ball “was made of one piece of leather with four lines of stitching” is a specific detail used to describe an early ball. Similarly, the statement that it “was one of the most popular early baseballs” simply provides context for the example. Neither of these statements encapsulates the entire message of the passage, which is the significant difference and development between the baseballs of the past and the present.
