Are Little League Baseballs Different?
Baseball is America’s pastime, and little league baseballs are an important part of the game for young players. But, are little league baseballs different from Major League Baseballs? The answer is yes, little league baseballs are different in several ways.
Size of Little League and Major League Baseballs
The most obvious difference between little league baseballs and Major League Baseballs is their size. Little league baseballs are smaller than Major League Baseballs. According to Little League rules, little league baseballs must be between 5 and 5 1/4 inches in circumference, while Major League Baseballs must be between 5 ¼ and 5 ½ inches in circumference.
Weight of Little League and Major League Baseballs
The weight of a baseball is another important difference between little league and Major League Baseballs. Little league baseballs must weigh between 5 and 5 ¼ ounces, while Major League Baseballs must weigh between 5 ¼ and 5 ½ ounces.
Cork Core of Little League Baseballs
Little league baseballs also have a different core from Major League Baseballs. Little league baseballs have a cork core, which makes them lighter and easier for young players to handle. Major League Baseballs have a solid rubber core, which makes them heavier and harder for batters to hit.
Stitching of Little League and Major League Baseballs
The stitching of a baseball is also different between little league and Major League Baseballs. Little league baseballs have 88 stitches, while Major League Baseballs have 108 stitches. The extra stitches on Major League Baseballs make them more durable, while the fewer stitches on little league baseballs make them easier to grip.
Horsehide Cover of Little League Baseballs
The cover of a baseball is also different between little league and Major League Baseballs. Little league baseballs have a horsehide cover, while Major League Baseballs have a cowhide cover. The horsehide cover on little league baseballs is softer and easier to grip, while the cowhide cover on Major League Baseballs is harder and more durable.
Little League and Major League Baseballs Balls Used
Little League and Major League Baseballs also use different types of balls. Little league baseballs are made with polyurethane, while Major League Baseballs are made with a combination of cork, rubber, and yarn. The polyurethane used in little league baseballs is softer and more flexible, while the combination of cork, rubber, and yarn used in Major League Baseballs is harder and more durable.
How Little League and Major League Baseballs Are Stored
Little League and Major League Baseballs are also stored differently. Little league baseballs are stored in a cooler or bucket of cold water, while Major League Baseballs are stored in a humidor. The cooler or bucket of cold water used to store little league baseballs helps keep the balls moist and prevents them from drying out, while the humidor used to store Major League Baseballs helps keep the balls from drying out and helps maintain their hard feel.
Little League and Major League Baseballs Used for Different Purposes
Little League and Major League Baseballs are also used for different purposes. Little league baseballs are used for practice, while Major League Baseballs are used for actual games. The soft feel of little league baseballs makes them ideal for practice, while the harder feel of Major League Baseballs makes them ideal for games.
Cost of Little League and Major League Baseballs
The cost of little league and Major League Baseballs is also different. Little league baseballs are typically much less expensive than Major League Baseballs. This is because little league baseballs are not as durable as Major League Baseballs and need to be replaced more often.
Conclusion
In conclusion, little league and Major League Baseballs are different in several ways. The size, weight, cork core, stitching, horsehide cover, type of ball used, how they are stored, and cost are all different between little league and Major League Baseballs. So, the next time you’re playing a game of baseball, you’ll know that the little league baseballs you’re using are different from the Major League Baseballs you’ve been watching on television.