OPINION OF ROBERT W. MCCLELLAND

August 5, 1999

Exhibit 5.1

Ball Corporation
10 Longs Peak Drive
Broomfield, Colorado 80021-2510

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,
1,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of the Company's common stock and the associated
rights (the "Rights") pursuant to the Ball Common Stock Fund offered through the
Ball Corporation Salary Conversion and Employee Stock Ownership 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 Ball Corporation Salary Conversion and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
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 Ball Common Stock Fund will be legally issued, fully paid,
and nonassessable and the Rights will be duly authorized and legally
issued.

4. The Plan has been duly qualified with the Internal Revenue Service.

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

Robert W. McClelland