Not all baseballs are created or built equally. Walking down the aisle of any sports store, you’ve undoubtedly faced trying to decide which baseball to get for your player. There are multiple options but how do you know which ones to get? The anxiety can be daunting. There are different types of baseballs because each ball is designed to suit various levels of play, condition and even purpose. These baseballs are made to be safe for the player at each level and built to handle conditions where game-time or practices may be. You may have noticed some balls are softer than others. Other balls might have minimal bounce while others may not. Even the surface of some balls feels more rigid than others. No matter what league your player finds themselves in, there is a baseball that is right for their playing level and training regimen. Here are some baseballs you’ll encounter on the hunt to find the right baseball for your player.
T-Balls
T-balls are soft and often lighter than youth baseballs. Many baseball players start off in t-ball to get a feel for the game and learn the fundamentals. As such, t-balls were designed to be soft and lighter so the young players can build their skills without getting hurt. They are easier to throw and catch, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments. To note, t-balls can also be used in coach pitch or pitch-machine leagues, depending on the rules of the league. Though those leagues are a little more advanced than t-ball, young players are still learning the game.
Youth Baseballs
Typically, youth baseballs have a softer core and lower compression to prevent injuries and make it easier for the player to grip, throw and hit the ball. Rarely will you see youth baseballs as stiff as adult baseballs. The makeup is generally a softer leather or synthetic cover. At the youth level, the players are still developing their skills but have more understanding of the fundamentals of baseball and technique. Youth baseballs are perfect for that intermediate level of skill.
Adult Baseballs
Designed to withstand harder hits and speed, these balls are rigid and have a higher compression rate. These baseballs are designed with the experienced player in mind. As the age and leagues keep moving up, players are hitting harder, throwing faster and applying more pressure to the ball. Adult baseballs are built to withstand the rigors of the added force daily.
Practice Baseballs
These are designed for training and practice scenarios. Oftentimes, they are made from less expensive materials such as synthetic covers, and are more durable to withstand repetitive use. You will also find practice baseballs in bulk because they are designed for multiple drills at multiple positions. Of note is that practice balls don’ have to have the appearance of a baseball. Practice balls can look like whiffle balls, be weighted, be solid colored ball (no seams) or even multi-colored, depending on the drill and position.
Game day Baseballs
Game baseballs are different than practice baseballs, often made with higher quality materials, including leather covers and wound cores. Reserved for game-time use, these balls are sized and weighted correctly for the game. While some coaches may use game day baseballs for practice, there is a delineation between the two in its function. Game day baseballs will also have certain rebound characteristics and certified by an official governing body for baseball.
Weighted Baseballs
Weighted balls help with a player’s strength and conditioning and throwing mechanics at every position (including pitching). They can have the appearance of a baseball or they can be a solid color or multiple colors. While many coaches use them for training purposes, they should not to be mistaken for common use in practice or games.
Overall, the different types of baseballs ensure that players have the appropriate ball for their specific game situations, skill level, and safety needs. At Baseballsavings.com you will find a variety of baseballs to fit the needs of any player, all the way from t-ball to adult leagues.
