OPINION OF ROBERT W. MCCLELLAND

May 1, 1997
Exhibit 5.1

Ball Corporation
345 South High Street
Muncie, Indiana 47305-2326

Gentlemen:

I refer to the registration statement of Ball Corporation (the "Company") on
Form S-8 proposed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for
the purpose of registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
3,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's common stock and the associated
rights (the "Rights") pursuant to the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (hereinafter
called the "Plan").

I am familiar with the proceedings to date with respect to such proposed sale
and have examined such records, documents, and matters of law and satisfied
myself as to such matters of fact as I have considered relevant for the purposes
of this opinion.

Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

1. The Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under
the laws of the State of Indiana.

2. The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan of Ball Corporation was adopted by Ball
Corporation.

3. When the registration statement on Form S-8 becomes effective and the
certificates representing Shares and Rights are duly executed,
countersigned, registered, and delivered, the Shares issued by the
Company pursuant to the Plan will be legally issued, fully paid, and
nonassessable and the Rights will be duly authorized and legally
issued.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
registration statement and the reference to me under the heading of "Interests
of Named Experts and Counsel" in the Registration Statement prepared by the
Company.

Very truly yours,



/s/Robert W. McClelland