Whether playing for the big leagues or with the neighborhood kids, Rawlings has a variety of balls that are perfect for the game. As such, Rawlings is one of our favorite picks for a high quality baseball brand. Here are a few of our featured Rawlings products:

Rawlings RLLB1 Baseballs

A Rawlings RLLB1 Baseball

Arriving in a pack of 12 these balls are the real deal. Their quality leather exterior and slightly raised stitching makes them perfect for little leaguers or younger players. Whatever the weather, field or conditions, these balls hold their own.

The solid core holds up exceptionally well to heavy use and bat abuse, ensuring the balls remain perfect hit after hit The slightly raised seams also hold their shape and rise ensuring a perfect ball for those big games or everyday practice.

These RUB1 Rawlings baseballs are also ideal for developing pitchers to get their game on, as well improving upon it. The durability of these quality made balls ensures that they rarely ever need to be replaced.

Rawlings ROLB1X Baseballs

A bucket of ROLB1X Baseballs. High quality and durable baseballs.

These baseballs are a fantastic value, and are a great combination of quality and durability.

In fact, these baseballs were even destined to potentially be used in the Major Leagues, but were sorted out due to minor cosmetic imperfections.

With a cork or rubber interior, raised seams, and a full grain leather exterior they are the perfect ball to bring to the park or practice with. At the same time, these baseballs would also be perfectly suitable for use in various official leagues play.

Apart from being a highly recommended pick of Bucket of Baseballs, the Rawlings ROLB1X is also the most purchased baseball amongst our readers.

Rawlings Official Major League Baseball

The Official Major League Baseball

It arguably can’t get any better than this, right?

These are the very balls that are used in every major league game.

Though it may be a stretch to purchase a full lot of these baseballs for the local team, the durability and quality of this ball is unquestioned.

Rather, this ball may be better off as a gift, or to be used for autographs, memorabilia and the likes. Either way, you know you’re getting the absolute highest quality from this baseball.

Do you Use Rawlings?

We’ve heard almost nothing but good things about Rawlings baseballs. Do you use Rawlings baseballs? We’d love to hear what you think about the brand and the quality of their baseballs? What model do you use? Please let us know in the comments below.

The Champro Kevlar Stitched Baseball

Pitching Machine Dynamics

A pitching machine is constructed to put even pressure round the back side of the ball. Baseball seam structure does not allow an even distribution of this pressure thus causing the ball to drift when pitched unless the ball happened to drop with the stitching at the perfect angle to the pressure applied.

The internal structure of the baseball also did not hold up well to the pressures applied by the pitching machine. In time memorial, the internal construction of baseballs was established. This winding of string round a center that is repeatedly glued as layers are added is a precise and demanding occupation.

The pressures applied by the machine when pitching breaks the glue and softens the strings and the ball as a whole making it unusable after just a few pitches. At the time of invention, this was not considered a big deal. The cost equivalence of a few balls lost and a few pitches veering away from the intended spot was small when compared to saving the arms of pitchers from the added exertion of pitching practice.

A Solution: Baseballs Made for Pitching Machines

It was not until balls specifically designed for machine use in practice were added that machine and ball became compatible and efficient. A simple search of Amazon reveals two exceptional balls with glowing reviews.

The Champro Kevlar Stitched Baseball are extremely durable. The Kevlar stitching and cork and rubber core provide a strength well beyond the normal materials used. The ball has the look of a regular baseball and has a similar feel off the bat.

The Jugs STING-FREE Dimpled Style Baseball

The Jugs STING-FREE Dimpled Style Baseball is also a durable ball. Though there is no stitching, the ball flies true and can be reused hundreds of times without loss of structure.

So, What Do YOU Think?

First came the machine, then came the adjustments needed to provide true performance. The human species displays its ability to adapt and modify once again. There is nothing more beautiful than a baseball’s true flight, right? Let us know in the comments section below.

The Easton Padded Seat Ball Bucket

Quality Softball Buckets for Your Team

Amazon offers several choices for these Buckets. The first one is The Easton Padded Seat Ball Bucket. This product is sold by Pro Player Supply. It is a six gallon bucket made out of durable plastic which secures longevity in this product’s life.

It also contains a padded cushion which also serves as the lid. It holds five dozen baseballs or two dozen softballs. It also has an easy carrying handle, so it can be transported anywhere. The lid fits tightly on the bucket protecting everything that is inside it. This bucket is also waterproof. So even if you have really long rain delays at any game, you will know that the equipment in the bucket is dry and well protected.

The second choice is a Louisville Slugger Ball Bucket. This bucket is a six gallon bucket that is made from durable plastic. Being that it is made out of plastic it will last a really long time.

Louisville Slugger Ball Bucket

It also contains a lid with a padded cushion which can also serve as a seat for the coach. It holds 5 dozen baseballs, and 2 dozen softballs. There is also a durable handle attached to the bucket. The handle allows for easy carrying and transport of the bucket. The lid fits tightly on the bucket, so nothing will spill out if the bucket were to be knocked over. The bucket is also waterproof. The tight lid prevents any water from coming into the bucket. So if you have rain delays at a game, or rain during practice, you can be assured that the items in the bucket will stay safe and dry.

Your Turn

What softball bucket does your team use in practices? How many do they use? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

The Team MLB 3-Pack of Foam Baseballs

Nowadays, foam baseballs are being made for use by amateurs, for whom the regulation ball may be too dangerous because of its hard texture. They are also commonly used by professional players for practice. We review two sets of foam balls which can be beneficial for use in training, or use with young players.

Team MLB 3Pack Foam Baseballs

Three balls come in this package: a yellow one, a red one and a blue one. The package is a product of Franklin Sports, a company that manufacturers all kinds of sports toys, from pitching machines to football goal post sets to Disney/Pixar Cars soccer balls. It is meant for children aged four to eighteen. The foam from which the balls are made is MLB gradient, and they contain gradient spray color. They are lightweight, easily adjustable and meant to last for a long time. They will not stand up to dogs, however; one buyer reports that theirs pierced one of the balls with her teeth, so if you have dogs, keep them away from these things!

The balls are soft enough for a three-year-old to throw them without hurting anyone, while at the same time being firm enough that they can be struck with a bat. Their bright colors make them easy to spot on a lawn, and most of all, children love them!

Franklin Sports MLB Foam Balls

The Franklin Sports MLB® Power Pitcher Pro Pitching Machine

Our other package consists of two white foam baseballs with red stitching. The soft foam from which they are made makes them perfect for backyard use. These balls are made to be used with the Franklin Sports MLB® Power Pitcher Pro Pitching Machine which is sold separately. The product has a rating of four and a half stars. One buyer found them perfect for her son, whose school allows softballs only.

What Do You Think?

Do you have experience with foam baseballs? Were they the right fit for your intentions? Leave a comment below and let us know!

What are Cheap Baseballs Made Of?

Cheap balls will typically be made out of synthetic or composite materials. Depending on the use of that material throughout the baseball, it may significantly change the way that the ball handles in play. For example:

It’s not uncommon to see models of inexpensive baseballs that are made of synthetic, rather than leather, coverings. This difference primarily affects throwing the ball. Pitchers cannot often get a strong grip on the ball, and pitches will leave their hands differently. The ball also may slip out of the hand, which may result in a hit batsmen.

While synthetic baseballs can certainly be used for pitching machines, it’s better in my opinion to purchase one of my recommended baseballs in order to get more versatility from your purchase.

Cheap balls will also tend to have a composite core. This is in contrast to a typical game-ball, which will almost always be made of a cork core, surrounded by a layer of rubber. This fundamentally changes the way that the ball reacts when it is struck by a bat.

Again, this certainly will not render a baseball useless, it will just limit it’s versatility for training purposes.

What Alternatives do I have?

The Rawlings ROLB Series

First, purchasing baseballs in bulk will almost always bring down the price of a baseball. Most manufacturers will sell baseballs by the dozens.

Secondly, Though most balls made of composite or synthetic materials are cheap baseballs, not all cheap baseballs are made of composite or synthetic materials.

For example, one of our favorite baseballs, the Rawlings ROLB can be purchased for just about $3.00 per baseball. These are tournament grade baseballs, so their build and durability is unquestioned. Yet, the low price makes them accessible enough to use as a very versatile practice baseball.

What Do You Think?

What baseballs do you use for practice? What are the best deals that you’ve found on cheap baseballs? How did those baseballs hold up in real play? I’d love to hear all of your comments below.

In fact, when I did a review on the top five rated baseballs on Amazon.com, the highest rated product came in a pack of a dozen baseballs! The Macgregor 79P Leather Practice Baseball came out on top, and reviews showed it to be a baseball well-worth including in practice sessions for youth players. Reviewers praised its durability and versatility.

The Rawlings ROLB1x.

Most recently, I dispelled the notion that training with weighted baseballs can be detrimental to pitchers. Rather, with the right oversight, planning and management, training with heavier balls can create arm strength and increase pitch velocity. I found the Champion Sports Weighted Training Baseball Set to be a particularly good product. They come with eleven baseballs of all different weights.

For those looking for high-quality baseballs for use in higher-level competitive environments and practices, the Rawlings ROLB1X Baseball is about as good as money can buy. And it comes in packs of a dozen baseballs as well! Previously, I had included it’s 36-pack cousin in my review of quality practice baseballs.

Maybe a Dozen Baseballs Isn’t Always Best

However, folks, don’t forget that often times the greatest value can be had when you purchase baseballs in bulk. For more general and generic baseballs, don’t hesitate to scoop up a whole bunch at once and save your hard-earned money. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear from all of you.

Proper Use of Weighted Balls

A pitcher and their coach need to remember that heavier balls should only be used in certain circumstances. They also should not be used in the absence of a structured program, where progress can be monitored. Above all, you shouldn’t forget that these training baseballs should:

• Never be thrown off of a mound.
• Never be caught, or used to play catch.
• Never be used for young (under 13) or developing arms.
• Not be used during injury rehabilitation.
• Only be thrown from about 30 feet, at most

Only once a pitcher has already developed sound mechanics and arm-strength with a regulation five ounce baseball, should coaches consider a training program with heavier baseballs. Coaches cannot forget that using weighted baseballs is a form of resistance training, and should be treated as such. An example of a program could be the following:

• Five throws with a five ounce baseball.
• Three throws with a seven ounce baseball.
• Three throws with a nine ounce baseball.
• Six throws with a ten ounce baseball.
• Three throws with a nine ounce baseball.
• Three throws with a seven ounce baseball.
• Five throws with a five ounce baseball.

When first starting a resistance program, it is typical to start with smaller weight increments, and then work your way up to using ten to twelve ounce baseballs. Not all arms can take that sort of weight, and adjustments should be made as necessary.

What are some good weighted baseballs?

The Champion Sports Weighted Training Baseball Set is a complete set of baseballs that are great for developing a vary of programs. As we mentioned, no arm is the same, and it’s hard to tell what sort of weights will be better to use in a resistance program without first trying them. By purchasing a set of baseballs like this, you can be sure that you’ll have all of the baseballs you will need to make adjustments to a training regimen. This set even comes with baseballs lighter than five ounces for even more potential exercises.

The Rawlings 3-Inch Weight Balls are also a good choice with which to develop a resistance and training program. Though they do not come with as many baseballs as the Champion’s set, within a good program they can still be used effectively to build strength. Note that at 3 inchs, these are smaller in size than regular baseballs would be.

What do You Think?

Are weighted baseballs for you? Have you ever trained with heavier balls, or are you looking to? Please leave your comments below.

The Most-Loved Bucket of Balls

When I took a look this morning on Amazon.com and searched baseballs by customer ratings, I must admit I was surprised. The top rated baseball was certainly not the highest quality baseball. Rather, it was an inexpensive ball best used for training, the MacGregor 79P.

Who would have thought the MacGregor 79P gets Amazon.com’s highest ratings?

Despite being a slightly less-than-perfect construction and build, customers who have purchased this baseball have been very pleased! Upon further review of the particular reviews, it seems that customers agree with my assessment that the MacGregor 79P is a reliable practice baseball and a great value. For example, Amazon user TucsonShopper started his review with the following:

At this price, it’s hard to find practice baseballs that match the quality of these Macgregor 79P Leather Practice Baseballs. The leather is durable and high quality, the stitching is top notch, and they feel very similar to a real baseball whether you are batting or throwing.

Rounding Out the Top Five

• Macgregor #56 Official Tee Balls

Not every ballplayer plays in front of thousands of fans. Everyone that eventually does has to start somewhere. Amazon.com reviewers have a very high satisfaction rate with this baseball and are happy that the ball simply just gets the job done and is easy to learn with.

• Rawlings ROLB1X Practice Baseballs

This may be the bucket of balls that I had originally thought may have ended up in the top spot. Because, as I mention on both my guide to the best baseballs and my post on reliable practice baseballs, these balls are built very well. They’ll certainly cost more than other balls of lesser quality will, but the consensus amongst reviewers is that these balls are money well-spent.

• MacGregor Bucket 5 Dozen 79P Baseballs

As mentioned above, the MacGregor 79P is an inexpensive, yet durable practice baseball. Their reputation is such that this particular model makes it onto Amazon.com’s top 5 list twice. This is also one of the deals that I recommend for anyone looking to purchase baseballs in bulk.

• MacGregor Dimpled Yellow Baseballs

Though not a great ball to throw or use for infield practice, these yellow dimpled balls have their place in training closets. They are easy compatible with more pitching machines, and can be great for those looking to practice their swing mechanics. Plus, they are much less expensive than leather baseballs are.

Now You Are the Reviewer

Did Amazon.com do a good job? What do you think? Did you like your bucket of balls? Keep the conversation going below in the comments!

This is okay, but not for all circumstances. Don’t forget, it’s important to be aware of what each piece of baseball equipment is being used for before making a purchase.

Why Are Leather Baseballs Essential To All Training gear?

Pitchers are extremely fickle beings. As I had alluded to in my previous post, Major League pitchers go through a ton of baseballs every game. This has to do primarily with the kind of grip and feel that a pitcher has on the ball, and applies to pitchers across all levels of baseball.

Having a ball that is scuffed up, beat up, or dented in any way can negatively affect a pitcher’s ability to exert maximum control over any pitch thrown. Pitching with a baseball that is made of a material other than leather can have very similar effects.

When training pitchers in any capacity, it’s very important that they use leather baseballs to develop a strong degree of control over their arsenal of pitches. Balls made out of synthetic leather, have a looser grip, and are harder to hold. This can even make live batting-practice and game simulation potentially dangerous. A ball that slips out of the hand too early can easily drift into the batter’s box and strike a batter.

What Are The Best Leather Baseballs?

The Macgregor 79P Leather Practice Baseball (shown in the image to the right) are a great combination of functionality and value. These baseballs are particularly good for youth training, are made with real leather, and can even be used in some pitching machines. They are also sold in packages of three dozen
and five dozen.

If you are looking for balls that have a stronger build-quality, made with higher-standard leather, than I suggest purchasing a Rawlings baseball. The Rawlings ROLB3 and the Rawlings ROLB1X are both excellently constructed products. Don’t forget that the later baseballs were even destined to be Major League Baseballs at some point! More information on what makes these two balls exceptional can be found in our Guide to Purchasing a Quality Baseball.

So, What’s It Gonna Be?

Are you ready to purchase your baseball? Or did you have more questions? Could we have explained things better? Please let us know in the comments!

As a Padres fan, I watched Mark Loretta man second base for several seasons. Though he was only a 6 feet 175 pound second baseman, he made tremendous contact with the baseball, and finished with a .295 average in 15 Major League seasons.

During one telecast in the 2005 season, the announcers revealed one of Loretta’s training regiments. It involved watching baseballs thrown past him at 150 Miles Per Hour by a pitching machine. Each of his practice baseballs had a number, written in either red or black, with a number between one and twenty.

At first, he started to practice by trying to identify the color on the baseball as it was thrown. Eventually, as he trained his eye to recognize these differences, he was able to tell both the color and number of each baseball as it passed him.

Though this technique may not work for everyone, the point is that it’s important to have both specialized training regiments in addition to practice aimed to duplicate real-game experience.

What Makes Quality Practice Baseballs?

In game-like simulations and batting practices, you want to purchase baseballs that closely resemble official baseballs in both size and weight. Many baseballs manufactured by companies such as Easton and Rawlings all will meet typically these specifications.

The Rawlings ROLB1x

The Rawlings ROLB3 is both a durable and inexpensive baseball, ideal for use in training session after training session. Their synthetic covers mean that they don’t wear out easily and can last over the length of a season. However, don’t forget to read my paragraph on qualities to look for in a baseball.

However, for the closest duplicate of official play, one should not look any further than the Rawlings ROLB1X. This particular model is reserved for baseballs that were headed for a Major League field, save for some slight synthetic imperfections. As such, when looking for an authentic baseball, there is no closer substitute.

For more specialized training, the SKLZ Bolt Balls are an excellent option. Much smaller and lighter than regulation baseballs, they are great for contact hitting drills, bunting. They are also great for training indoors or in limited spaces.

What do you think?

Do you have a preferred model of practice baseballs? Disagree with some of my selections? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below.