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...
 1. Pro Tips
 2. Sports & Activities
 3. Baseball
 4. The Complete Guide to Baseballs




THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BASEBALLS



Learn how the anatomy of your baseball can impact its performance on the field.


February 19, 2016





It might just seem like a normal baseball, but the details encapsulated in those
108 stitches mean a lot to the athletes throwing, catching and hitting it. From
the interior makeup to the exterior casing, each piece of the ball serves a
purpose.

 

With its signature white surface and figure-eight stitching, today’s modern
baseball is as recognizable as the game itself. Learn how the anatomy of a
baseball plays an important role in its performance on the field.

 

 


ABOUT BALL COVERS

When buying baseballs, you can expect to find two exterior materials: leather
and synthetic. These materials make up the outer shell of the baseball, called
the cover. Long-lasting leather covers are the traditional choice for many
baseball players due to their secure grip, consistent play and proven
durability.

 

Synthetic covers, often made of vinyl, can resist dirt and maintain color while
remaining a more cost-effective alternative to a than full-hide leather
baseballs. Some players purchase synthetic cover baseballs for practice and save
the leather baseballs for in-game use.





 


BASEBALL STITCHING

When it comes to the 108 stitches that are synonymous with the baseball’s
profile, there are a few options available to players. The stitching on a
baseball typically falls into three categories: raised, rolled or flat.

 

Raised-seam baseballs have the stitching elevated from the surface of the ball.
These seams are designed to “grip” the air for easier control and are used for
casual play or instruction. Beginner baseball players can also benefit from
using raised-seam baseballs.

 

Rolled seams have far less elevated stitching, giving them less air resistance
than raised seams, while remaining comfortable to grip. Many competition-level
baseballs (including Little League, high school and professional baseballs) use
this style of stitching.

 

As the name suggests, flat-seam baseballs lie flat against the surface of the
ball, which can make them more difficult to grip and control. Flat seams are
great for use in pitching machines, however, as the minimal stitching creates
less interference for a clearer trajectory.

 

 


A LOOK INSIDE

It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Just below the cover is where your
baseball gains its bounce and worth, thanks to the connection between a
baseball’s core and windings.

 

At the heart of your ball lies a small, round center called the core. The core
consists of cork, rubber or a combination of the two. Cores can differ in
density to better suit the league they are designed for, which are typically
stamped on the cover.

 

Wrapped around the core you will find thick layers of wool yarn or a wool blend.
The wool windings have a high compression threshold and can help extend the life
of a baseball.

 

In addition to your baseball’s lifespan, the wool windings can also affect your
ball’s circumference. Baseballs recommended for competitive play are between 9
and 9 ¼ inches in circumference.





 


REDUCED INJURY FACTOR OR "R.I.F."

For younger players, especially those just learning the game, safety should
remain a prime concern with any equipment piece. To help soften the structure of
a baseball, and aid youngsters in overcoming their fear of being hit,
manufacturers offer specialized “Reduced Injury Factor” balls. These balls have
a softer, typically polyurethane core, and come in both reduced and official
weights. They perform like regular balls, bouncing and rolling true to
expectations.

 

Understanding the ins and outs of baseball construction can help you take the
field with confidence this season. Catch these Pro Tips and choose the right
baseball for you.


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RELATED PRODUCTS

 * Baseballs
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 * Baseball Gear & Equipment




RELATED ARTICLES

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 * Learn Baseball Fielding Techniques
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