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Best Baseballs for Your Next Game

  1. Spalding 41-102LL Little League World Series Official RST Baseballs
  2. Wilson Pro Series Baseball
  3. Rawlings Major League Baseball
  4. Diamond D1-PRO Professional League Baseball
  5. Rawlings Little League Competition Grade Youth Baseballs
  6. Rawlings RLLB Little League Baseball
  7. Diamond DLL-1 Little League Baseball
  8. Wilson A1074BLL1 Little League Baseball
  9. Spalding Little League Baseball
  10. Diamond Little League Tournament Grade Baseball
  11. Rawlings NFHS Stamped Official League Baseball
  12. Diamond D1-NFHS Leather Baseball
  13. MacGregor #97 Major League Baseball-NFHS Approved
  14. Wilson Pro Series Baseball
  15. SKLZ Reaction Ball Baseball Agility Trainer
  16. Total Control Sports Hole Practice Batting Ball
  17. SKLZ Weighted Baseballs (Yellow 10 oz, Black 12 oz)
  18. Franklin Sports MLB Josh Hamilton Elite Home Run Weighted Training Ball
  19. ROLB1X Practice Baseballs in Bucket (3 Dozen)
  20. SKLZ Reduced Impact Safety Balls
  21. Rawlings 5-Tool 3 Pack Hitter's Eye Training Baseballs
  22. Baden Safety Baseballs
  23. Markwort Safety Lightweight Baseballs
  24. best Markwort Safety Lightweight Baseballs
  25. Buyer's Guide

Baseball is known as America’s pastime, and though baseball has lost some of its popularity to the NFL and the NBA, it is still a popular spectator sport and still enjoyed by millions of kids across the country. To play baseball, you need a baseball! Though all baseballs look fairly similar, there are many differences. They are made with either leather or synthetic covers, have raised or rolled seams, and are made with different cores (cushioned, cork, rubber, combination). There are also safety and reduced injury factor (RIF) balls for younger players.

The best balls are made with a long-lasting leather cover because they offer consistent performance and durability. They are also made with a cushioned cork core, which consists of a cork center wrapped in a thin layer of premium rubber, and wound in wool and cotton thread. Major League Baseballs require windings of at least 85% wool. Wool windings help the ball return to shape after impact and increase the longevity and durability of the baseball.

Safety balls are great for beginning players because they are soft and generally “sting-free.” Reduced injury factor (RIF) ball are a relatively new innovation that serve as a bridge between safety balls and regulation balls.. They are made with polyurethane cores and will not hit as hard nor hurt as much as regular baseballs. They are rated from level 1 to level 10 (1 is the softest while 10 plays almost like a real ball). The great thing about RIF balls is that they play like a real ball with true bounces and a similar feel.

As a coach or a dad, one of the best things you can do for kids is to teach them to love the game of baseball. Selecting the right ball for the level of play and age is an important factor in a young player’s enjoyment of the game. Checkout our top picks for best baseballs in 2022.

Compare The Best Baseball Of 2022

Spalding 41-102LL Little League World Series Official RST Baseballs - Best Baseball Overall

The Spalding TF Pro baseball is made to every Major League Baseball specification. They have a full grain premium leather cover along with gray and white wool seams along with a cushioned cork center. The balls seam is actually 30 percent higher than a traditional flat seam ball which actually improves both grip and accuracy. This is a quality baseball at an affordable price that will be tough to turn down.

Wilson Pro Series Baseball - Runner Up

The Wilson Pro Level Official Game Baseball offers super seams and dura-core technology providing proprietary pressure formed to withstand impact and retain original hardness. With red cushioned cork on the inside and gray wool seams on the outside, this ball is built to last. Along with full-grain leather, you won't find many better made balls on the market. The super seams are actually 20 percent higher quality higher than conventional seams, giving pitchers more control and also helps fielders get the ball out of the glove faster.

Rawlings Major League Baseball - Honorable Mention

The Rawlings Major League specifications baseball has everything a professional grade ball requires. It's got the Rawlings Major League seam, and meets all required official major league specifications. With a cushioned cork center and a premium leather cover for added durability, this ball will be able to stand up to the harshest games and practices. Reasonably priced, this ball will prepare you for whatever the game might “throw” at you.

Diamond D1-PRO Professional League Baseball - Consider

The Diamond D1-Pro League baseball is apparently the ball of choice of colleges across America. Made with A-1 Grade Grey Wool Windings, and a premium leather covering, this ball is built to last. With the patented diamond seam, this ball meets all requirements and specifications for professional play. At a great price, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option out there.

Rawlings Little League Competition Grade Youth Baseballs - Best Professional Baseball

Much like the Spalding TF Pro baseball listed above, this "flat-seam" version is basically the same in every way but it’s flattened seam. It's made to every Major League Baseball specification with a full grain premium leather cover along with gray and white wool seams, as well as having a cushioned cork center. While this TF Pro ball has flat seams, this does make it great for use with pitching machines. A quality sports product at a quality price.

Rawlings RLLB Little League Baseball - Best Youth League Baseball (Game Grade)

The Rawlings Little League baseball’s are a quality product offered at a quality price. Complete with the Rawlings raised seam, these official game balls look just like the ones that pros use. Complete with a full-grain leather cover and with a composite cork and rubber center, these balls are made from quality materials that will last for a while. Since these balls won't break the bank, and you won't need to replace them immediately, these are a best buy.

Diamond DLL-1 Little League Baseball - Best Youth League Baseball (Game Grade)

The competition grade Diamond Little League baseball’s combine durability and affordability. Complete with a cork and rubber pill, these balls will be able to take a beating, and just keep going. With select wool-blend winding and a full-grain leather cover, these quality materials make this ball worth the price. Complete with the diamond raised seams, your little leaguer will feel like a major leaguer in no time flat.

Wilson A1074BLL1 Little League Baseball - Best Youth League Baseball (Game Grade)

The Wilson Little League Baseball is a great product from a well known, reliable brand. Wilson prides itself on durable, quality made products, and these baseballs more than meet their high standards. With a Grade C leather cover and a cushioned cork center, Wilson stays true to form with this baseball. At a quality price, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more reliable little league baseball than Wilson's.

Spalding Little League Baseball - Best Youth League Baseball (Game Grade)

The Spalding Little League ball is from a company that understands balls. Theirs is perfect for both practice or gameplay. The ball is made up of a leather cover with flat seems, making it perfect for pitching machines because without the raised seems, the ball will stay fly much straighter and true. On the inside, the ball is made up of both composite cork as well as a rubber center. Affordably priced, this is a great ball to get for your individual player or team.

Diamond Little League Tournament Grade Baseball - Best Youth League Baseball (Game Grade)

Good for players ages 16 and under, the Diamond Senior Little League ball is built to last. This is truly a tournament-grade ball built with the most demanding athletes in mind. With a cushioned cork center and A Grade grey wool-blend winding, this ball is meant to last even after the most aggressive games and practices. Along with a premium leather cover and the trademark Diamond Seam, the DSLL is great for any competitive little leaguer.

Rawlings NFHS Stamped Official League Baseball - Best Baseball (NFHS & NCAA Leagues)

Rawlings new RNFC baseball is a high quality baseball with the NFHS stamp sold at a great price. The ball comes with full-grain leather for added durability and perfect feel. It has raised seams for a great grip and a cushioned cork center. It is approved for all NFHS play and can be used for practice or for games. They have a long lasting cover and you will be surprised at how long they last - so no need to save them all for the games. Because of their reasonable pricing and great long lasting quality, these are the top NFHS or NCAA baseballs on the market today.

Diamond D1-NFHS Leather Baseball - Best Baseball (NFHS & NCAA Leagues)

The Diamond D1-NFHS Leather Baseball is approved for NFHS play and features a cushioned cork center, A-grade grey wool winding, a premium leather cover, DriCore technology and raised seams for superior feel and control. The DriCore technology helps prevent the baseball from absorbing too much water on wet fields or during rainy conditions. If the ball is subject to excessive wet conditions, DriCore technology will accelerate the drying time of the baseball. Diamond is one of the most recognizable brands for baseballs and softballs in the country. due to their high quality standards and their patented diamond seam, which features the recognizable, raised seam and this ball is a great selection for all NFHS play.

MacGregor #97 Major League Baseball-NFHS Approved - Best Baseball (NFHS & NCAA Leagues)

The MacGregor #97 Major League Baseball MCB97MLH features raised seams for a great grip and fantastic control. It is made with grey wool windings and a cushioned cork center. It is also made with an A-1 cowhide cover for superior durability. MacGregor is not one of the big names in baseball equipment, but they have been making quality sporting goods products for a long time, and this baseball will work well for any high school team or league.

Wilson Pro Series Baseball - Runner Up

The Wilson Pro Level Official Game Baseball offers super seams and dura-core technology providing proprietary pressure formed to withstand impact and retain original hardness. With red cushioned cork on the inside and gray wool seams on the outside, this ball is built to last. Along with full-grain leather, you won't find many better made balls on the market. The super seams are actually 20 percent higher quality higher than conventional seams, giving pitchers more control and also helps fielders get the ball out of the glove faster.

SKLZ Reaction Ball Baseball Agility Trainer - Best Practice Baseball

The SKLZ Reaction Ball is a baseball agility trainer for fielding purposes with six sides which cause this rubberized ball to go off in any direction at any time. This forces the fielder to be prepared for anything. You can use this ball wherever for practice whether on a field or in a parking lot. It's a great training tool for hand-eye coordination and will help sharpen your hand quickness and speed. You can have someone work with you when using this ball, or you can use it on your own with the help of a nearby wall.

Total Control Sports Hole Practice Batting Ball - Best Practice Baseball

These durable. wiffle-style training balls are great for helping the improvement of a batter's swing and are actually guaranteed for one full year from breaking. The idea behind them is that they’re designed to teach a player to drive through the ball while promoting a technique allowing one to hit for power. This ball is ideal for indoor or outdoor use and is especially great for soft toss and front toss drills; anybody who has ever spent time on the baseball field, knows that these drills are extremely important in the development of a player's swing.

SKLZ Weighted Baseballs (Yellow 10 oz, Black 12 oz) - Best Practice Baseball

The SKLZ Weighted baseballs are great for increasing arm strength, which in turn helps with velocity. This is crucial for outfielders, the left side of the infield, pitchers, and catchers, but almost every position on the field benefits from practicing with the SKLZ weighted balls. They come in a two ball set which includes a 10 ounce ball and a 12 ounce ball. Both balls are of the same size, construction and have the same materials used as official balls, which helps get you game ready.

Franklin Sports MLB Josh Hamilton Elite Home Run Weighted Training Ball - Best Practice Baseball

The Franklin Sports Home Run weighted training ball will help you add strength and power to your swing which is done through focused resistance training. The idea is, if you can connect cleanly with this ball, you can connect cleanly with a regular ball. The ball weighs about 17.5 ounces, as opposed to a normal ball at about 5 ounces. Along with a tough PVC cover, these ball are super durable and can stand the test of time.

ROLB1X Practice Baseballs in Bucket (3 Dozen) - Best Practice Baseball

The best part of any practice is batting practice. Getting a chance to hit 20-30 pitches is always great, and with this bucket of cheap practice balls, you'll have more than enough. These balls are cheap, which is a huge plus, but they're also made out of quality materials at the same time. They have a full grain leather cover, composite cork and rubber center and have the Rawlings raised seam. Though they won't damage easily, you still have another 23 to work with if something happens.

SKLZ Reduced Impact Safety Balls - Best Safety Baseball

The SKLZ Safety Ball is a reduced-impact ball for training purposes with a very realistic look and feel. When teaching fundamentals to a youth player, you want them to think they're using a real ball, and this one simulates that pretty darn well. Being the same size as actual baseballs, kids can build confidence and associate the proper skills while using this safety ball. With its soft, cushioned construction, this ball will help teach technique while also helping prevent injury.

Rawlings 5-Tool 3 Pack Hitter's Eye Training Baseballs - Best Safety Baseball

The Rawlings Training Baseballs are the perfect practice/training baseballs for a younger player. They feature the Rawlings major league seam which simulates a real ball, ultimately helping build confidence along with their skill set. Made out of a quality and durable synthetic leather cover, this ball also features a polyurethane medium/firm center ensuring that it won't break apart any time soon. For a slightly older player (ages 7-10), the ball is still soft, but firmer than some of the others. A little pricey, but can you put a price on safety and learning of fundamentals?

Baden Safety Baseballs - Best Safety Baseball

The Baden Safety Baseballs are a little bit pricier but are designed to instill confidence in younger players. By simulating real baseballs, younger players can think they're learning with the real thing, without any threat of injury. Made with a synthetic cover and a polycore interior, the quality materials set Baden Baseballs apart from the rest. These are the perfect balls for learning about the game and instilling a love of the sport without the bruises that come with it.

best Markwort Safety Lightweight Baseballs

Markwort Safety Lightweight Baseballs - Best Safety Baseball

The Markwort 9 inch safety lightweight baseballs are a great way to get the fundamentals going early in younger players. These balls are ideal for a player as young as four, weighing only about 2.5 ounces, ensuring almost near impossibility of getting hurt. A synthetic cover on the ball ensures it can take a beating and will still be useable for a long while. It has an acrylic felt center and red stitch to really simulate a real ball so your little slugger won't know the difference.

best Markwort Safety Lightweight Baseballs - Best Safety Baseball

The Easton Team Soft Touch Baseball is a quality training product and honestly, it's a great learning tool all the way to the major leagues because ultimately, fundamental skill sets translate to any age and ability. This is another safety ball with the feel of an authentic game ball, instilling confidence and fundamentals in any player. The synthetic leather cover ensures durability for practice pitch after practice pitch. Its reduced weight is thanks to the polyurethane core which ensures injury free play. Priced affordably, this is a good practice ball for any age.

Buyer's Guide

The History of the Baseball

The sport of baseball started in the early 1800s, during the time of the Civil War. Soldiers on both sides of the war played the sport among themselves, and it became largely popular when war veterans started playing the game even after they went home after the war ended. The credit for inventing baseball and its equipment goes to Abner Doubleday, who was a Union major general in the Civil War.

Earlier, the balls used in baseball were made from a rubber core that was made by melting old shoes. The cores were wrapped with leather or yarn, and pitchers mostly made their own balls. After the 1850s, efforts were made to standardize the design and construction of baseballs, and their weight and circumference was also determined.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, numerous changes were made to the design and construction of the baseball, in order to make it more suitable for the sport. In 1934, both the National League and the American League came to an agreement and standardized a baseball with a cushion cork center, yarn wrappings, and a rubber cement coating.

How Long Does a Baseball Last?

When talking about baseball, we are actually talking about the ball and not the sport. You would probably wonder how long a ball lasts. Since they are made from leather, rubber, and cork, baseballs can only withstand a couple of hits and pitches before the seams start to come apart or the material breaks.

Normally, good quality baseballs last between 7 to 8 pitches before breaking down, and some might also last up to 10 pitches. This would include practice shots as well, especially if you use the same ball for your matches as well. In major tournaments, such as Major League Baseball games, balls are never reused, which means that a single game can have as many as 8 dozen balls!

Things to Consider Before Buying a Baseball

There are several factors involved in the selection of a baseball, which makes or breaks your practice and the quality of your performance as well. Let’s have a look at the factors you need to consider before you lock in a certain baseball.

Type

There are different types of baseballs that help players practice and train properly, and also improve their game over time. Some of the types include:

  • Standard baseballs: These are the baseballs you use for matches, and they are built on the standardized dimensions by using different high-quality materials.
  • Indoor baseballs: These baseballs are specially designed for places where you can’t play with a standard baseball, particularly in cold weather. They are much softer as well.
  • Practice baseballs: These baseballs are particularly designed to help you practice and perfect your skills, and they are made from materials like rubber or foam.
  • Weighted baseballs: These baseballs have a higher weight than standard baseballs and they help pitchers practice their throwing and catching skills.

There are numerous other types of baseballs, so you can choose from among them depending on your needs.

Cover

The cover refers to the outer layer of the baseball, and leather is one of the most common materials that is used to build the covering. Leather is more durable than any other material, and it also works well in dry weather conditions. You can also find synthetic leather covers, which work better against dirt and moisture.

If you have to practice and play baseball in humid conditions, then you should opt for baseballs that have a synthetic leather cover. Plus, these are also cheaper than those with a leather cover.

Stitching

There are also different stitching methods and techniques used in the construction of baseballs, and this factor influences the control and pitching of the baseball. Some of the stitching types include raised stitching, rolled stitching, and flattened stitching. Raised stitching is more suitable for faster and sharper pitching, whereas rolled stitching provides lower air resistance and is more suitable for league games.

Cores

The core of the baseball is made from different materials, such as cushioned cork or rubber. The cork is wrapped with rubber and then wound with wool using a cotton thread, which gives the ball its durability and weight. Moreover, a durable and high-quality core will help the baseball retain its shape after being hit multiple times. Players prefer baseballs with a cushioned cork core over rubber cores, as they last much longer.

Circumference

As mentioned above, the circumference for league and tournament-level baseballs is standardized and must fall in the range of 9 to 9¼ inches. If you are buying a ball for playing professional matches, then you will need to choose baseballs that have the predefined circumference, otherwise you will only be able to use them for practice and casual playing.

Weight

Along with the circumference, the weight of the baseball is also regulated and it can only weigh between 5 and 5¼ ounces. The materials used for the core, winding, and cover determine how heavy or lightweight the baseball will be, which is why you need to take a look at the weight of every baseball that you consider buying.

Reduced Injury Factor

If you are looking for a baseball for your child or for younger players, manufacturers offer specialized balls that have softer cores and are lighter in weight. They are known as Reduced Injury Factor or RIF balls, and they help children overcome their fear of being hit with a hard baseball.

FAQs

Are baseballs ever reused in Major League Baseball games?
Baseballs are never reused in Major League Baseball, mainly because they wear out after 8 to 10 pitches. This is why dozens of baseballs are used in every game.

Are baseballs that hit the dirt discarded in games?
Once a baseball hits the dirt during a game, it becomes difficult to view for the players, and this can also be dangerous for the batter. Therefore, such baseballs are discarded during the game.

How to clean a baseball?
Use an eraser to remove all types of stains from baseballs, or you can use a bleach solution with warm water and mild soap to remove stronger stains.

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